by Ed Coet

Created on: June 26, 2009

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist and world renowned entertainer. He was the seventh child of the talented Jackson family, and lead singer of "The Jackson 5" where he began his professional career at the tender age of 11. He began his solo career in 1971 while he was still a member of the group. He was popularly know and recognized as the "King of Pop." Four of his solo studio albums are among the world's best-selling records. His 1982 "Thriller" is the world's best-selling record of all time. Four songs from this single album made it in to the "top ten" worldwide. Micheal Jackson's name was recognized around the world following the release and the enormous success of his "Thriller" album. He had sold out concerts and had screaming fans in every country he visited and performed in.

In the 1980s, Michael Jackson became the most dominant figure in music and the entertainment industry as a whole. He was also the first African-American entertainer to succeed as a major crossover artist with the help of his incredible choreography and dancing skills. The enormous popularity of his music transformed the music industry.

Michael Jackson was "twice" inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He is in the Guinness Book of World Records as the "Most Successful Entertainer of All Time." He won 13 Grammy Awards and he had 13 number one singles in his solo career. He was a part of popular culture for almost four decades.

Michael Jackson was a musical genius and an American icon. He was an international super star. He was much more than a giant in the music industry; he was an historic figure and indeed the most famous entertainer in the world and perhaps of all time with the possible exception of Elvis. His charity and generosity was enormous and ought never be forgotten. This super star had a heart of gold and compassion consumed him. He did far more good than most people ever will in his brief 50 year lifetime. His music and talent brought countless joy to millions. He was eccentric to be sure, but he was never convicted on child molestation charges. To the contrary a jury of his peers found him to be "not guilty" on all charges. In our country, a person is presumed innocent until otherwise found guilty. Hence, Michael Jackson was innocent and wrongly accused. Let us hope he will be remembered for his music, his genius, the joy and charity he gave the world and the consummate love he had for his family, especially his own three children. Anything else or less would be an affront to his genuine greatness. May he rest in peace.

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