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Hollywood Hot Sheet

"King of Pop" dies: Michael Jackson Dead at 50

By
Mike Pirrone
@ June 25, 2009 8:45 PM
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The Associated Press reported that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died. He was 50 years old. On Thursday afternoon, the pop legend was rushed to a hospital in Los Angeles after collapsing at his home. He suffered from cardiac arrest and was not breathing when the paramedics arrived and the EMTs administered CPR in the ambulance. Authorities are currently performing an autopsy on Jackson.

The Game, Usher, Chris Brown, Diddy, Polow Da Don, Mario Winans, and Boyz II Men collaborate on the first of many Michael Jackson tribute songs to come. The DJ Khalil production was completed earlier this morning. R.I.P. MJ.

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Biography from Fox News
Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Ind., on Aug. 29, 1958. Michael was the fifth son born to steelworker Joe Jackson, who quickly started organizing his sons into a singing group he dubbed the Jackson 5.

From a young age, Michael's childhood was fairly sheltered and rigid due to his mother's strong religious faith and his father's often strict discipline. By age 6, Michael was performing in his family's group and already establishing himself as an exceptional entertainer.

In 1968, the Jackson 5 members signed to Motown and issued their first single in 1969, when Michael was only 11.

In 1970, the group had four No. 1 hits: "I Want You Back," "ABC," "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There." This made the Jackson 5 the first pop group in history to have its first four singles reach No. 1.

In 1971, Michael released his first solo recording, "Got to Be There," which hit the top five.

In 1972 his first solo single, "Ben," reached No. 1.

In 1975, Michael released his final album on the Motown label, and a year later he and his brothers (except for Jermaine) were signed to Epic as "The Jacksons."

In 1977, Michael won the part of the Scarecrow "The Wiz," all-black film retelling of "The Wizard of Oz." It was on the set that he met producer/composer Quincy Jones. When Jackson's contract with his father expired, he opted to embark on a solo career again (though he still remained a member of the Jacksons), and Jones became his producer. His first adult solo album was entitled "Off the Wall," and it produced four Top 10 singles and went platinum.

In 1982, "Thriller" was produced, making history. It sold 26 million copies in the United States, 60 million worldwide and stayed on the Billboard charts for 122 weeks.

In 1983, during Motown's 28th anniversary special, Michael did the Moonwalk for the first time on television. Seven of the nine tracks on "Thriller" wound up in the Top 10.

Michael swept the Grammy Awards in 1984, taking home a record eight in one night. He also won the largest endorsement deal ever by becoming the spokesman for Pepsi. During filming for a Pepsi commercial in 1984, Michael's scalp was badly burnt, requiring skin grafts. That same year, Michael purchased the majority of shares in ATV Music Publishing Co., the organization which owned the rights to most of the Beatles' songs. It was around this time that strange rumors began to fly about Michael's private life. After tabloids reported that Michael slept in a hyperbaric chamber in order to slow aging and that he had bought the skeleton of the Elephant Man (which he hadn't), he was given the nickname "Wacko Jacko" by the media, which he hated. Michael's skin also started getting lighter and there were accusations that he was intentionally undergoing treatment to make himself whiter. Soon Jackson reported to the media that he had a disorder called vitiligo, where pigment disappears from the skin, leaving white blotches and making sunlight exposure dangerous. He also underwent some plastic surgery, though there were conflicting reports as to how much, and his face began to change noticeably. It was at this time that Michael adopted his pet chimpanzee, Bubbles, and began to build a giant amusement park at Neverland Ranch, further fueling public perception of his eccentricity.

In 1985, he co-wrote the famine-relief single "We Are the World," which became one of the fastest-selling singles ever.

In 1987, Michael teamed with George Lucas and Francis Ford Coppola to star in the 3-D film "Captain EO." The film only lasted 17 minutes but cost millions and was shown in IMax theaters at Disney amusement parks for years. Later that year Michael released "Bad," his follow-up to "Thriller." This was his last album produced with Quincy Jones. The album debuted at No. 1, was the first album to produce five No. 1 singles and sold 29 million copies. Michael went on a world tour to support the album, and it became the highest-grossing tour of all time. Soon he was dubbed "The King of Pop."

Later in 1991, Michael released his next album, "Dangerous." It debuted at No. 1 and sold 29 million copies worldwide. Its lead single, "Black or White," caused controversy as the video had scenes considered violent and sexual (including Michael grabbing his crotch) and was banned from most music-television channels until several scenes were edited out.

In 1992, Michael founded the "Heal the World Foundation," a charity that brought underprivileged children to Neverland Ranch where Michael would spend time with them and allow them to spend the night. This practice raised many eyebrows, especially when Jackson was accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy who had become a regular Neverland guest. Jackson responded to the allegations publicly, maintaining his innocence.

In 1994, he settled the case out of court for an undisclosed amount. Later that year, Michael married the daughter of Elvis Presley, Lisa Marie. The union was publicly scrutinized and speculations arose as to whether the marriage was simply an attempt to improve Jackson's image, though he maintained that they lived genuinely as man and wife; however, the marriage broke up after less than two years.

In 1995, Jackson tried to turn the focus back to his music, releasing "HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book 1." This was a two-CD set featuring his greatest hits and some new material, and it debuted at No. 1. The album's lead single was "Scream," a duet with sister Janet Jackson, which won several Billboard Music Awards.

Michael then embarked on a world tour for the album, and while in Australia he married his dermatologist's nurse, Debbie Jeanne Rowe, with whom he fathered a son named after himself (though he goes by the name "Prince" publicly) and a daughter, Paris Katherine.

Rowe and Jackson divorced in 1999, and Rowe told the media that Michael had wanted her to have the children as a "gift" to him.

In 2001, Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and had a huge concert at Madison Square Garden celebrating the 30th anniversary of the release of his first solo album.

Later that year, he released the album "Invincible" on Sony Records and informed Sony Music head Tommy Mottola that he wasn't going to renew his contract.

Then, Sony and Jackson got into a press battle, and Jackson publicly defamed Mottola, calling him "devilish" and racist, although many Sony artists came forward to defend Mottola.

In 2002, Jackson traveled to Berlin to accept the BAMBI award for his musical accomplishments. While in his hotel, fans swarmed outside and called to Jackson, clamoring to see his new baby, Prince Michael II.

Jackson then brought the baby to the balcony with a towel over his head (presumably to protect his identity), and held him over the railing to show the crowd. This incident was perceived by some to be child endangerment, and while Jackson apologized the next day, it helped to further fuel the public image that Jackson was having problems.

In 2003 journalist Martin Bashir filmed a highly touted documentary based on extensive interviews with Michael entitled "Living With Michael Jackson." The documentary was shown internationally and depicted some controversial scenes, including Michael holding hands with a 13-year-old cancer victim and admitting to non-sexually sharing his bed with children. Jackson was angry and thought the film was inaccurate, so he fought back and released his own documentary, which included scenes cut from Bashir's that showed Michael's full explanations for some of his past behavior. Later that year, Michael and Sony released a compilation of his hits, "Number Ones." It sold more than 6 million copies worldwide. While Michael was on the set, the police raided Neverland Ranch issuing an arrest warrant for charges of child molestation by the same boy who appeared in Bashir's documentary.

A trial took place in 2005, and Jackson was acquitted of all charges. After his acquittal, Michael relocated to the Gulf Island of Bahrain, where he has reportedly been spending his time writing new music.

In 2004, a man filed a lawsuit against Michael, alleging he had been molested 20 years earlier but had repressed the memory until 2003. However, a judge eventually dismissed the lawsuit.

Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 in a Los Angeles hospital, just weeks before he was scheduled to perform several comeback concerts in London.

Discography:

1979 Off the Wall


1982 Thriller


1987 Bad


1999 Dangerous


1995 HIStory


1997 Blood on the Dance Floor


2001 Invincible

WHAT THE WORLD HAS TO SAY ABOUT THE KING OF POP

Pete Wentz: "Prayers and thoughts with Michael Jackson, I haven't hope in so long that news isn't true."

Pete Wentz: "I have never felt this before in my life. I could measure my childhood 2 now on an mj growth chart. if this is true. Rip. The last legend."

Carson Daly: "Very sad about the King of Pop. I feel weird."

Ashton Kutcher: "Pray for his kids, I plea to the press to respect his wishes of maintaining the anonymity of his children."

Lindsay Lohan: "NO OMG ... sending my love and prayers out to Michael and his family ... i feel sick."

Marlon Wayans: "My prayers, my love, my heart goes out to michael jackson and the entire jackson family. I pray so hard for them. I'm crushed! Please pray."

Kim Kardashian: "Wow I am truly in shock that Michael Jackson has passed away! I love u Jackson family, my prayers are with the whole family!"

Danny Masterson: "I'm very sad that the possibility of a Jackson 5 reunion is unwinding b4 my eyes..."

MC Hammer: "I have no words.. I loved Michael Jackson.. RIP.."

Kelly Rowland: "Michael you left such a legacy on this earth, have touched SO MANY!!! We thank you for such a driving inspiration in music & our lives!! This has got to be one of the saddest days in music history!! Michael Rest In Peace! WE miss you!"

Shanna Moakler: "The hard thing about getting older is watching all those who inspired you pass, love to the jackson family.."

Ashlee Simpson Wentz: "TMZ please be wrong. Everyone have hope."
Travis Barker: "I'm Speechless, WTF?"

Perez Hilton: "Grieving is not entertainment. That does not need to be public. That adds nothing to the story. I won't be running any pics. Please follow."

Rob Thomas: "Official. Michael Jackson dies at 50. Speechless."

Miley Cyrus: "Michael Jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings"

John Mayer: "Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ."

John Mayer: "Truly hope he is memorialized as the '83 moonwalking, MTV owning, mesmerizing, unstoppable, invincible Michael Jackson."

John Mayer: "I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player."

Jordin Sparks:
"Omg I'm bawling right now. Michael...."

Alyssa Milano: "Remember the first time you saw him do the moonwalk? RIP Michael Jackson."

Fat Joe: "Wow this has to be one of the top 3 worst days of my life R.I.P Michael Jackson!!!

Nicky Hilton: "Praying for the Jackson family."

Tyrese: "I can't believe I'm about to write this Michael Jackson May God Bless your SOUL WE LOVE YOU FOREVER REST IN PEACE I'm sad this is horrible"

Demi Moore: "I am greatly saddened for the loss of both Farrah Fawcett and Michael Jackson. Especially for their children!"

Solange Knowles: "My fifth birthday party was M.J. themed, I insisted. My mother found a lookalike to come sing happy birthday and I KNEW he wasn't MY Michael."

Solange Knowles: "Thank you Michael Jackson for being my FIRST of many! My mother took me to my FIRST concert, I was only two years old. I fell in love."

Maria Menounos: "I am in utter shock.can't even believe that michael is gone.sooo sad."

Mark Hoppus: "First album i ever bought was thriller. with birthday money. on cassette. for my brand new sony walkman. truth. rest in peace."

Audrina Partridge: "In my car driving and just heard the devastating new's about the king of pop!! michael jackson!!! soo sad:( R.I.P."

Damien Fahey: "PROUD to be part of the MTV family knowing they are airing His videos. This is so tragic."

Sean Kingston: "What's Going On??!! L.A Times Is Saying He Died!!?? MY Prayers And Condolences! Goes out to the Jacksons rite now :'("

Diddy: "Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!"

Dallas Austin: "My heart goes out to Micheal jacksons family we love u!!"

Talib Kweli: "RIP Michael Jackson. Greatest performer ever."

SouljaBoyTellEm: "R.I.P. Micheal Jackson"

Ludacris: "If it were not for Micheal Jackson I would not be where or who I am today.His Music and Legacy will live on Forever.Prayers to the famR.I.P."

Jesse McCartney: "RIP Michael Jackson. He was the King and the reason I started singing. I will miss him."

Ashley Tisdale: "I have to say, the 6 of us from HSM were very lucky to have met such an amazing man. I will remember that moment forever. RIP Michael."

Mandy Moore: "RIP michael jackson and farrah fawcett. What a tremendous loss in one day.... thoughts and prayers with their families and loved ones...."

Ricky Martin: "I am very sad. Noboby will ever replace him. And I know that all the light he shared with us on stage willcontinue illuminating all those who regarded him for who he was and what he always will be, a master of his craft, pure
musical inspiration."

Al Sharpton: "A friend of Michael's for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in the hour. I have known Michael since we were both teens, worked with him, marched for him, hosted him at our House of Justice headquarters in New York, and we joined together to eulogize our mutual idol, James Brown. I have known him at his high moments and his low moments and I know he would want us to pray for his family."

R.Kelly: "I am truly saddened that my mentor, brother and friend will no longer be with us physically. At the same time I feel so blessed to have been touched by his music, his dance, his lyrics and his pure genius. It is because of Michael's yesterday that I am who I am today! My condolences to his family and friends around the world. Michael Jackson rest in peace and may your music and legacy forever reign on Earth!"

Diana Ross: "I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family."

Ne-Yo: "Michael Jackson will live forever through the thing that he put all of his life energy into: his music. I will do my part to keep the melody alive, to keep the energy forever changing form, but never ever dying. Long live Michael Jackson."

Kenny Ortega (who was directing Jackson's upcoming concerts in London and who said he was his friend for 25 years): "This was the most exciting collaboration of my life with a man who has inspired me like no other. ... This was the world's greatest performer and the world will miss him."

Akon: "Michael Jackson's accomplished so much that there's not even words to explain what he's done for urban and pop music. Every artist that I personally know has been influenced by him. The world has lost one of the greatest entertainers who shaped many generations and will continue to for years to come."

Film director Martin Scorsese: "When we worked together on `Bad,' I was in awe of his absolute mastery of movement on the one hand, and of the music on the other. Every step he took was absolutely precise and fluid at the same time. It was like watching quicksilver in motion."

Beyonce Knowles: "The incomparable Michael Jackson has made a bigger impact on music than any other artist in the history of music. He was magic. He was what we all strive to be. ... I love you Michael."

Celine Dion: "From the beginning of my career, he was my idol in show business. ... I had his poster on my wall."

Rev. Jesse Jackson: "We are out of our joy. He is out of his pain. ... He was constantly challenged in the press and all he really wanted to be was the greatest entertainer and he was that."

Usher: "He broke barriers, he changed radio formats. With music, he made it possible for people like Oprah Winfrey and Barack Obama to impact the mainstream world. His legacy is unparalleled."

Sheryl Crow: "I am deeply saddened to hear of Michael's sudden passing. His was a rare talent that we witness once in a lifetime. One who makes such an indelible mark that for generations singers and dancers attribute him as inspiration. I had the great privilege of watching him every night doing what he did best...entertain. I am grateful to have known him for the 2 years I worked for him and will mourn his loss with his many millions of fans across the world."

Coldplay: "MJ was the best of the best. His music and performances made the world a brighter place. His light will shine on forever."

Justin Timberlake: "I can't find the words right now to express how deeply saddened I am by Michael's passing. We have lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only Pop music, but of all music. He has been an inspiration to multiple generations and I will always cherish the moments I shared with him on stage and all of the things I learned about music from him and the time we spent together. My heart goes out to his family and loved ones."

Diana Ross: "I can't stop crying, this is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this. My heart is hurting. I am in prayer for his kids and the family."

Paul McCartney: "I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones."

Eddie Van Halen, who played guitar on Jackson's "Beat It," told TMZ, "I am really shocked; as I'm sure the world is, to hear the news. I had the pleasure of working with Michael on 'Beat It' back in '83 -- one of my fondest memories in my career. Michael will be missed and may he rest in peace."

Britney Spears: "I was so excited to see his show in London. We were going to be on tour in Europe at the same time and I was going to fly in to see him. He has been an inspiration throughout my entire life and I'm devastated he's gone!"









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