ॐ नमः शिवाय defines my life: King of Pop Michael Jackson dies at 50

Thursday, June 25, 2009

King of Pop Michael Jackson dies at 50

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"The King of Pop" and a "Music Legend" Mr. Michael Joseph Jackson died of cardiac arrest today on June 25, 2009 at 2:26 PM PST. He was 50 years old. A 911 call from his home released by Los Angeles Police shows the frantic moments after the pop icon went into cardiac arrest.

He was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana in United States. He was 7th of 9 children. He started his career with his other 4 siblings as "The Jackson Five". He signed his first Music contract with Mowtown Records in 1968. The eccentric icon of American pop music rose to international fame with albums such as 1982's "Thriller". The album remained in the top 10 of the Billboard 200 for 80 consecutive weeks and 37 of those weeks at the peak position. It was the first album to have seven Billboard Hot 100 top 10 singles, including "Billie Jean", "Beat It" and "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'". Thriller was certified for 28 million shipments by the Recording Industry Association of America, giving it Double Diamond status in the US. It is often cited as the best-selling album of all time, with worldwide sales between 47 million and 109 million copies. He has sold over 750 million copies of his total albums worldwide.

In March 1988, Jackson purchased land near Santa Ynez, California to build Neverland Ranch at a cost of $17 million. The 2,700-acre (11 km2) property had Ferris wheels, a menagerie, and a movie theater. A security staff of 40 patrolled the grounds. In 2003, the property was valued at approximately $100 million. In 1989, his annual earnings from album sales, endorsements, and concerts was estimated at $125 million for that year alone. Shortly afterward, Jackson became the first Westerner to appear in a television advert for Russia.

In 1997 and 2001 (as solo artist) he was inducted into Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Later started the downfall with accusations of child molestations and lawsuits. In 2005, he was acquitted from the child molestation case. In 2006, the State of California closed down his "Neverland Ranch". It is now owned by Sycamore Valley Ranch Co. LLC.

He may have been alleged for being a pedophile, he may have been on a self-destructive spree and he may have looked more weirder day by day but no one can deny that he was a true musical talent of 20th Century. May Bhagwan ji (God) give Shanti (Peace) to his Atma (Soul).

Here is an album with his pictures over the years.

This is his first album "I want you back, baby one more chance".