Michael Jackson, the singer, songwriter and dancer who earned the title “King of Pop” in a career that reached unprecedented peaks of sales and attention, died Thursday, a Los Angeles city official said. He was 50.
This is a very sad day for music industry, Michael Jackson the "King of Pop Music" is dead. The world is grieving and remembering the true life of Michael Jackson...
THE HIGHS
1969: The Jackson 5 break out. First release on Motown: "I Want You Back," soon hits No. 1. Jackson is 11.
1978: "Off the Wall." Disco classic sells 10 million copies with singles "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough" and "Rock With You."
1982: "Thriller." Seven of nine tracks make the charts. Performs signature "moonwalk" for first time. Biggest selling album ever, with 65 million copies.
1983: "Motown 25." Wows TV viewers with his first public moonwalking during "Billie Jean," the high point of an NBC special celebrating the record label's 25th anniversary.
1984: Buys Beatles catalog for $47.5 million.
1985: Jackson, along with Lionel Richie, writes "We Are the World," a fundraising song for African famine relief. It was performed by Jackson and more than 20 other musical superstars, billed as USA for Africa.
1987" "Bad." The "Thriller" follow-up sells 30 million copies; Martin Scorsese directs video. Speculation begins about changes in Jackson's physical appearance, lighter skin.
1988: Buys Sycamore Valley ranch in California, renaming it Neverland. Begins to build a fair and zoo.
1993: Marries Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of Elvis. Jackson sits for an interview with Oprah Winfrey, watched by more than 90 million. He talks about childhood abuse at the hands of his father and acknowledges he has the skin condition vitiligo.
1995: Releases "HIStory," a compilation of hits and new material
1997: Fatherhood. Jackson marries Debbie Rowe, pregnant with son, Prince Michael. Two other children to come.
2008: Reaches settlement with second son of the King of Bahrain over an about $10-million failed recording venture.
2009: Comeback? Was expected to appear at 10 sold-out shows next month at London's O2 Arena
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THE LOWS
1975: Leaves Motown for a better deal with CBS records; Motown sues Jackson brothers for $20 million.
1984: During filming of a Pepsi commercial, Jackson's hair catches fire. The name "Wacko Jacko" is coined.
1991: "Dangerous." The Teddy Riley-produced album was much tougher and raw, not a critical or fan favorite. But, it also included huge hit "Black and White."
1993: Child abuse allegations. Family of Jordy Chandler, 11, accuses him of molestation. Jackson denies accusations, but his home is raided. Out-of-court settlement: $20 million.
1996: Divorces Lisa Marie Presley
1999; Divorces Debbie Rowe.
2001: "Invincible." Years in the making, record is a bust. He attacks label boss Tommy Mottola, calling him "devilish." Same year, Jackson does interview with British newsman Martin Bashir, and admits sharing his bed with children. "Why can't you share your bed? It's the most loving thing to do, to share your bed with someone," he says.
2002: Dangles Prince, known as "Blanket," over a hotel balcony in Germany.
2003: Arrested on charges of molesting 14-year-old Gavin Arvizo. A 5-month-trial in 2005 ends when he's found not guilty on all charges.
2008: Passes property deeds of Neverland to Sycamore Valley Ranch Co. Llc, effectively losing his beloved estate.
>> PHOTOS: Michael Jackson through the years
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>> MORE: Michael Jackson, 1958-2009
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