Lt. Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner's office announced live on CNN that Jackson was declared dead at 2:26p.m. on June 25 2009.
The child star turned King of Pop will forever be remembered for his trademark dance moves and chart-topping success that peaked throughout the 1980's.
Jackson was currently preparing for his comeback tour, set to begin in England in only a few short weeks. He had been training with Lou Ferrigno, star of "The Incredible Hulk" in order to prepare for the demands of performing, according to PEOPLE magazine.
Jackson collapsed early in the afternoon inside his home and was unresponsive when paramedics arrived, according to reports. Paramedics performed CPR while transferring him to UCLA Medical Center, where Entertainment Tonight captured a photo of Jackson being transported with an oxygen mask over his face.
Throughout his career, the king of pop has faced multiple ups and downs, twists and turns to upheaval his social life. Starting off as the youngest child star in his family group Jackson 5, moving to a reigning superstar over the pop genre, he ended his life as a type of social outcast due to multiple accusations of child molestation.
Early Career
The public began to learn the name Michael Jackson in the 1960s when he was the lead singer of Jackson 5 at 11 years old. Jackson formed the group with his four older brothers, Jackie, Jermaine, Tito and Marlon. Some of their biggest hits included "ABC," "I Want You Back" and "I'll Be There."
Jackson also recorded four studio albums as a solo artist for Motown Records before transferring to Epic Records with his brothers, and recorded as the Jackson 5 until 1984.
Jackson moved on to musicals in 1978 and played the role of the Scarecrow in "The Wiz," an urban adaptation of "The Wizard of Oz," which also featured Diana Ross and Richard Pryor, according to The Associated Press.
From there he formed a bond with producer Quincy Jones and the two co-produced Jackson's solo album "Off the Wall" in 1982. The two also produced "Thriller" soon after, one of the best-selling albums of all time. The mega-hit album featured songs "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "The Girl Is Mine."
The video for "Thriller" defined the music video genre of the '80s and it was immediately sent to the top of the charts. The song remained at the top for 37 weeks and hung on the list for 80 weeks total, according to PEOPLE magazine. Nominated for 12 Grammy awards, the song clinched eight.
Skyrocketing to superstardom, Jackson soon became famous for his crotch-grabbing dance moves, military-style jackets, aviator sunglasses and a single sequined white glove.
The King of Pop
In 1983, Jackson performed his new single "Billie Jean" on the Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever TV special and debuted his ultra-hot dance move: the moonwalk. Soon becoming his signature move, fans constantly tried to replicate his smooth style while moving backward.
Jackson's talent was ranked amongst the highest, compared to the Beatles and Elvis Presley. However, in 1987 he produced the album "Bad," which signified the beginning of his downward spiral. Regardless, the album contained hits such as "The Way You Make Me Feel" and "Smooth Criminal."
Beginning to Change
At the same time "Bad" was released, Jackson began constructing Neverland, a mini-Disneyland home he resided in. Jackson claimed to want the home to make up for the childhood he never had, PEOPLE magazine said.
In the next few years, Jackson's personal appearance began to change. His skin became lighter, his nose narrower, and his voice was more high-pitched and girlier than it ever had been before. In 1993, Jackson interviewed with Oprah Winfrey and confessed of his skin condition, vitiligo. He also confirmed in the interview that he was molested as a child by his father, Joseph Jackson.
In 1994 Jackson briefly married Lisa Marie Presley, bonding two of the biggest pop stars of their time. However, the marriage ended in 1996. Jackson later married a nurse in his doctor's office, Debbie Rowe. The couple had two children, Prince Michael Jackson and Paris Michael Jackson, through artificial insemination, according to The New York Times.
Jackson later had a third child, Prince Michael Jackson II, nicknamed "Blanket," and was infamously held over a balcony at a hotel room in Berlin Jackson was staying in.
Jackson was then accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy who had slept over at Neverland. However, no evidence was found by police when the residence was searched and the case was settled in 2005 for an undisclosed amount, The Associated Press said.
A True Legend
Although his social life took a rapid downward spiral and Jackson soon became a social outcast, his music still sold out years after their debuts and it is still heard at regular intervals in night clubs and bars. He has inspired today's pop stars, including Pete Wentz, Justin Timberlake and Madonna.
"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news," Jones said on the day of Jackson's death in a public statement to CNN. "I've lost my little brother today and part of my soul has gone with him."
Impromptu vigils have popped up across the globe in respect for Jackson's death and the legend he leaves behind. From moments of silence to Michael Jackson marathons on the radio, millions are mourning the death of the king of pop. Jackson will be remembered for his music and despite his social misgivings, he will remain a music legend.
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