Michael Jackson: Death Of An Icon

Saturday 4th July 2009 - 08:15:05

The life and times of Michael Jackson - For All That He Means

While controversy and conspiracies theories still surround the shock death of arguably the world's greatest ever performer, one fact remains the same - Michael Jackson's musical legacy will live on forever.

Following the tragic news of last week, fans around the world clamoured to get their hands on any of the self-styled King of Pop's music and in Sunday's UK charts (28.06.09), his singles occupied 43 slots out of the top 200, while his 'Number Ones' LP topped the album countdown.

British retailer HMV said it had experienced an 80-fold increase in demand for Michael's music "almost overnight" since his death - the biggest one-day rise in sales seen for any artists, including Elvis Presley and John Lennon.

Even in death, Michael continues to make headlines, rack up impressive sales and generally be the biggest star the world has ever seen.

So how did this young boy from a working class black American family become a musical legend and an icon of our times?

It all started on August 29 1958, when Michael Joseph Jackson was born the seventh of eight children, in Gary, Indiana, an industrial suburb of Chicago.

His parents Joe and Katherine soon noticed their son's precocious talent and from the age of seven, Michael appeared alongside his brothers Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon in the Jackson 5.

The group's first four singles - 'I Want You Back', released in 1969, and 1970 hits 'ABC', 'The Love You Save' and 'I'll Be There' - all peaked at number one on the US Billboard Hot 100. As the loveable youngest member of the group, Michael soon became the star and was continually praised for his voice and dancing prowess.

In 1972, he embarked on a solo career while he was still part of the band, but it was with his debut 1979 solo album 'Off The Wall' that Michael proved he was destined to be a successful stand alone artist. The record went on to sell 15 million copies worldwide.

However, it was the iconic 1982 'Thriller' album which cemented Michael's position as one of the world's greatest pop stars. The record sat at the top of the Billboard 200 chart for 37 weeks and remained in the chart for 80 consecutive weeks, prompting the New York Times newspaper to comment: "In the world of pop music, there is a Michael Jackson and there is an everybody else."

As well as a string of top 10 singles and the iconic 'Thriller' music video, the album also unleashed Michael's dancing skills on the world. While performing on a TV special in 1983, Michael wowed the audience with what his signature move - the 'moonwalk', in which he appeared to slide backwards across the surface of the stage.

Although he would never match the dazzling heights of 'Thriller' - which, to date, has sold over 100 million copies worldwide - Michael went on to enjoy huge success with his 1987 'Bad' album, which sold an impressive 30 million.

Michael matched his albums' success with his spectacular live shows, which featured his incredible dance moves and would often see hysterical fans carried out of the stadiums after fainting at the sight of their idol.

Although controversy grew around the star's seemingly changing appearance, including his skin appearing whiter - an issue he blamed on skin disease vitiligo and treatment for burns suffered after his hair caught on fire while filming a TV commercial in 1984 - and cosmetic surgery on his nose, Michael's next album, 1991's 'Dangerous', was also well received. It enjoyed a number one single around the world in 'Black Or White' and earned rave reviews.

However, the world tour in support of the album didn't go well and was abandoned before its conclusion. This marked a turning point in the star's career, as his erratic behaviour began to attract more headlines than his music.

Throughout his life, Michael struggled to find friends and during the peak of his fame his closest companion was Bubbles - a loveable and energetic chimpanzee. Bubbles slept in a crib besides Michael's bed, would accompany him on tour and the pair would often dress in matching outfits. Although this eccentric behaviour earned him the nickname Wacko Jacko, fans and critics were willing to ignore it as he was still producing fantastic music.

It was his friendships with young children which caused a lot of the world to turn against him, especially after he revealed he allowed youngsters to stay overnight as his Neverland ranch in California - the mansion complete with a zoo and theme park.