Michael Jackson dies of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles

Los Angeles: Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop" who once moonwalked above the music world, died Thursday as he prepared for a comeback bid. He was 50.

Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his rented home in Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him at his home for nearly three-quarters of an hour, then rushed him to the hospital, where doctors continued to work on him.

"It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known," his brother Jermaine said. Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.

Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.

Click here to see a gallery of Michael Jackson's life

His 1982 album "Thriller" - which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" - is the best-selling album of all time, with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.

At the time of his death, Jackson was rehearsing hard for what was to be his greatest comeback: He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first set for July 13.

As word of his death spread, MTV switched its programming to play videos from Jackson's heyday. Radio stations began playing marathons of his hits.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital. In New York's Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone.

"No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow," Michael Harris, 36, of New York City, read from a text message a friend had sent him. "It's like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died."

The public first knew him as a boy in the late 1960s, when he was the precocious, spinning lead singer of the Jackson 5, the singing group he formed with his four older brothers out of Gary, Indiana. Among their No. 1 hits were "I Want You Back," "ABC" and "I'll Be There."

He was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation, known for his backward-gliding moonwalk, his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves and his high-pitched singing, punctuated with squeals and titters. His single sequined glove, tight, military-style jacket and aviator sunglasses were trademarks, as was his ever-changing, surgically altered appearance.

"For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words," said Quincy Jones, who produced "Thriller." "He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Jackson ranked alongside Elvis Presley and the Beatles as the biggest pop sensations of all time. He united two of music's biggest names when he was briefly married to Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie, and Jackson's death immediately evoked comparisons to that of Presley himself, who died at age 42 in 1977.

As years went by, Jackson became an increasingly freakish figure - a middle-aged man-child weirdly out of touch with grown-up life. His skin became lighter, his nose narrower, and he spoke in a breathy, girlish voice.

He often wore a germ mask while traveling, kept a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles as one of his closest companions, and surrounded himself with children at his Neverland ranch, a storybook playland filled with toys, rides and animals. The tabloids dubbed him "Wacko Jacko."

"It seemed to me that his internal essence was at war with the norms of the world. It's as if he was trying to defy gravity," said Michael Levine, a Hollywood publicist who represented Jackson in the early 1990s. He called Jackson a "disciple of P.T. Barnum" and said the star appeared fragile at the time but was "much more cunning and shrewd about the industry than anyone knew."

Jackson caused a furor in 2002 when he playfully dangled his infant son, Prince Michael II, over a hotel balcony in Berlin while a throng of fans watched from below.

In 2005, he was cleared of charges he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at Neverland in 2003. He had been accused of plying the boy with alcohol and groping him, and of engaging in strange and inappropriate behavior with other children.

The case followed years of rumors about Jackson and young boys. In a TV documentary, he acknowledged sharing his bed with children, a practice he described as sweet and not at all sexual.

Despite the acquittal, the lurid allegations that came out in court took a fearsome toll on his career and image, and he fell into serious financial trouble.

Michael Joseph Jackson was born Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary. He was 4 years old when he began singing with his brothers - Marlon, Jermaine, Jackie and Tito - in the Jackson 5. After his early success with bubblegum soul, he struck out on his own, generating innovative, explosive, unstoppable music.

The album "Thriller" alone mixed the dark, serpentine bass and drums and synthesizer approach of "Billie Jean," the grinding Eddie Van Halen solo on "Beat It," and the hiccups and falsettos on "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin'."

The peak may have come in 1983, when Motown celebrated its 25th anniversary with an all-star televised concert and Jackson moonwalked off with the show, joining his brothers for a medley of old hits and then leaving them behind with a pointing, crouching, high-kicking, splay-footed, crotch-grabbing run through "Billie Jean."

The audience stood and roared. Jackson raised his fist.

By then he had cemented his place in pop culture. He got the plum Scarecrow role in the 1978 movie musical "The Wiz," a pop-R&B version of "The Wizard of Oz," that starred Diana Ross as Dorothy.

During production of a 1984 Pepsi commercial, Jackson's scalp sustained burns when an explosion set his hair on fire.

He had strong follow-up albums with 1987's "Bad" and 1991's "Dangerous," but his career began to collapse in 1993 after he was accused of molesting a boy who often stayed at his home. The singer denied any wrongdoing, reached a settlement with the boy's family, reported to be $20 million, and criminal charges were never filed.

Jackson's expressed anger over the allegations on the 1995 album "HIStory," which sold more than 2.4 million copies, but by then, the popularity of Jackson's music was clearly waning, even as public fascination with his increasingly erratic behavior was growing.

Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994, and they divorced in 1996. Later that year, Jackson married Deborah Rowe, a former nurse for his dermatologist. They had two children together: Michael Joseph Jackson Jr., known as Prince Michael, and Paris Michael Katherine Jackson. Rowe filed for divorce in 1999.

Cardiac arrest is an abnormal heart rhythm that stops the heart from pumping blood to the body. It can occur after a heart attack or be caused by other heart problems.

Billboard magazine editorial director Bill Werde said Jackson's star power was unmatched. "The world just lost the biggest pop star in history, no matter how you cut it," Werde said. "He's literally the king of pop."

Jackson's 13 No. 1 one hits on the Billboard charts put him behind only Presley, the Beatles and Mariah Carey, Werde said.

"He was on the eve of potentially redeeming his career a little bit," he said. "People might have started to think of him again in a different light."

Fans in shock, tears

In Malaysia, they hoped he would be remembered like Princess Diana. In Mexico, one of his impersonators said part of his life had been torn away.

Even Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez called it "lamentable news," though he criticized the media for giving it so much attention.

Michael Jackson's death Thursday in Los Angeles prompted broadcasters from Sydney to Seoul - where the news came early Friday - to interrupt morning programs, while fans worldwide remembered a "tortured genius" whose squeals and moonwalks captivated a generation and sparked global trends in music, dance and fashion.

Within minutes of Jackson's arrival by ambulance at UCLA Medical Center, people began arriving by the hundreds outside. As word spread that he was dead, people burst into tears. Others stood in disbelief.

In Sydney, where Jackson married second wife Debbie Rowe in 1996, a celebrity publicist who was a guest at Jackson's Sydney wedding and worked on his Australian tour that year described him as a "tortured genius."

"He was very gentle, very quiet, very shy," Di Rolle told Sky News television. "He was a very complicated, strange man, women loved him and men loved him too. It's such a sad day, a very sad day."

Australia's morning shows devoted full coverage to the Jackson's death, alternating reporting from Los Angeles with viewers' e-mails of memories and condolences.

Did you grow up listening to Michael Jackson's music? What differentiated Michael Jackson from other music celebrities? How has he influenced you? Tell as about it below.

Your comments

He is rockstar, true king of pop ...
Abdul Majid Tabrez
dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 17:23

Its so sad and shocking ,his memories will forever stay with us...
Saedah
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 17:19

My heart is broken. Michael was the greatest talent in music history. No one could do everything at once. He oozed talent like no other. He was from another planet. I love you Michael and will miss you terribly.
Radhika
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 17:16

He was a great singer ,may his soul rest in peace ....its a shock hears about his death
Imm Mohammad
Ajman,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 17:12

MJ was a great man with attention to details and a Legend. I am so sad he a wonderful sincere person is no more in this world. And We lost lot of MUSIC and Experience.
Sajeev S. Dharan
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 17:06

Michael Jackson thaught the world a new way of dancing.Michael will be a Legend in this earth for music and dance.
Jayeson Mathew
Vancouver,Canada
Posted: June 26, 2009, 16:51

He was the best singer ever. I grew up listening to his music. He was the first singer i ever knew about. I wont ever forget Micheal jackson. True legend.
Mick Rasool
Wellington,New Zealand
Posted: June 26, 2009, 16:38

O Hello! hundreds of people are dying in Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Sudan...if ONE michael jackson died; what's a big deal? Is this, a so-called, *HUMAN RIGHTS*?
Ahsan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 16:33

music is FOOD for soul, look what just happened, the SOUL of music just left orbit EARTH.Farewell Micheal
Sarwar Rasool
Lahore,Pakistan
Posted: June 26, 2009, 16:33

he will be missed all over the world he was an enterprenour icon he lived the moment he will also be the one and only "KING OF POP" in the World history we are your funs Michel
Aya Farah
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 16:23

i cant believe this,we miss u michael
Johnsey
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 16:20

MICHAEL JACKSON TOUCHED EVERYONE AROUND THE WORLD, HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED.
Tolens
Dammam,KSA
Posted: June 26, 2009, 16:17

It's amazing that none of the radio stations in the UAE are playing any Michal Jackson music today...he was the King of Pop, an amazing artist personal issues aside, that's the least he deserves
From A Reader
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 16:11

The world is shocked
Vinayak Vijay
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:59

25th june 09 it shocked day 4 MJ fans when last night my friend call me and said turn on u r tv when i saw BBC really i was shock i realize it is true or i m dreaming then i m realize it so late
Ali Al Baloshi
Muharraq,Bahrain
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:49

I get shaky when I see the news in my email god bless him
Ahmad Abdul Aziz
Umm Al Quwain,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:39

this is raelly big sarrow that we loss michael now we feel that pop miuce father has deid we would not be abel to find this kind of star.
Syed Niamat Allah
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:35

The music world has lost one of the best performers. His albums will make people remember him for years to come.
Anupam
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:26

We have lost a huge space which can never be filled. MJ, you will always be a Gem forever in everyone's heart
Priya
Delhi,India
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:19

I read about Michael's death with shock and disbelief. his sudden death is a great loss to his family and his fans.
Wadima
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:13

Its a gloomy daylight for not merely music industry but for the entire planet. Michael Jackson had been a spot on Hero-let it be in melody or anything else
Salim Mir Al Blushi
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:13

He is the master, our life was memorised by his songs, the billy jeans it is for primary beat it when i succed, even graduation has earth song.
Rehab AL Kobrosly
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:04

i cant believe hes gone.. he will never be forgotten until music exists on this earth. i love u michael from my heart, my soul. a great legend, a real superstar. may he rests in peace.
Jimmy
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:04

The King of POP. No one can ever match his talent. Hes a LEGEND.
Lucan Dourado
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 15:00

I wonder whether the world will ever witness a phenomenon such as the unique Michael Jackson. His music can be heard in almost every nook and corner of the world - such was his magic! I spent my school years dancing to his chart topping hits, especially Black or White which till date is my No.1 MJ favourite! I will definitely get my daughter to listen to MJ's songs when she grows up..its a pity he has left us but his magic is eternal.
Shiuli Dutt Dey
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 14:58

Every one will remember this great legend as the "King of Pop" as he is and he will keep this title forever. He was the one who has taught the world how to entertain. Michael was a very caring, loving and honest person. The challenges and cases he has suffered had worsen his career and ultimiately he has gave his life. Michael was a guy who wants to remain in the public and who loves to live among his fans chanting his name. Unfortunately after 1997, he was not able to make any dancing appearance but he is still a remembering personality. Everyone has to die one day, so his day has come and can't do anything stopping him among us. I will love him forever and pray for him. "King of Pop", we will love you forever.
Jawad
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 14:49

Thats it, history has ended. There is no one like MJ. I dont know, if there could be anyone like MJ.
S. M. Riaz Khan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 14:19

Its really a deep shock...........to all who are his fan
Faheem Omar
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 13:53

i cant imagine that Michael Jackson is gone. His my idol that w my eldest son name Michael cuz i follow his name. for me now all the people suffering cuz ur gone early of 50. your the best for me ever. peace be with you brother.
Gina Briones
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 13:50

i just don't believe he is dead. i listen to his all music and am his biggest Fan his moves N his music was just Fabulous. MJ had injected new taste in music, still lots of stars get inspired by him ! one thing we have to keep in our mind remember that legend never dies ... RIP Michael Jackson "love you"
Haasin
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 13:39

It is very sad indeed. His untimely death has left everyone in a shock! RIP MJ. You will be missed by your fans around the world.
Samreen
Dubau,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 13:34

i am shocked n upset with the news, his legacy will live with us /mj you are always the best
Reshma Anand
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 13:06

Very shocking news, he was favourite of almost everyone despite of age.
Adnan Ansari
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 12:59

MJ....you were truly the King of Pop. It seems a bit strange but just two days ago...i was missing listening to your songs and planned on getting hold of them for my walkman. Guess it was some kind of sign. No matter what...you rocked the world with your music!
Aisha Asif
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 12:54

I am really saddened to hear the breaking news and was not able to sleep... deep inside me im an MJ fan. i feel the terrible loss.. :( RIP to the of the King of POP. sniff! sniff!
Pearl
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 12:50

I want to take this time and offer my deepest sympathy and sincere well wishes to his family, friends, closed ones in this time of loss.
S. I.
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 12:43

Michael Jackson you will and always will be the king of pop. No one can ever take that away from you. You are a LEGEND!!!!
Sharon Lobo
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 12:32

Am just so sad is all I can say. He may be a very controversial man but his songs tell a lot about the person inside. May he rest in peace and hope he finds the happiness he may not have found on earth when he was still alive.
Klay
abu dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 12:28

I grew up listening to his music
Del Faizha
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 12:24

I'm broken hearted...
Nnette
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 12:19

His death is a big loss to the music industry. Neverland will never see Micheal again. Micheal will be missed a lot.
Tarek Ahmadani
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 12:17

Its a shocker. He was quite young. We will always remember him as the king of pop.
Marwan Mahmoud
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 12:06

Who can forgot Thriller,It's such a great loss for the world of music, he was such a great singer
Sajid
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 11:59

we'll miss u MJ, the music world will never be the same without u... :(
Mace Francisco
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 11:57

I never loved any music Icon as I did Michael. Its a sad day. His memories will live on. Salute to the King of Pop!
Brian Baynes
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 11:53

I was shocked when i first read the news. I called my Families and friends and Spread the news.. Im Still in Shock and Crying..Im So Sad..Im Gonna Miss him,but his music will live Forever...
Shiela
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 11:35

he is my all time fav...KING of POP
Wazim
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 11:30

its sad....
Azam Ghori
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 11:21

we all miss a great pop singer
Sabiha
Mangalore,Karnataka
Posted: June 26, 2009, 11:18

I was very surprised when I opened gulfnews homepage on Friday and read about the death of Michael Jackson due to the cardiac arrest, we lost a great Pop singer in this World!!! I miss you always !!!!!!!
Naveed Khan
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 11:00

Michael Jackson will always be the greatest of all time! He is a legend. The king of pop!
Leigh
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 10:46

I thought he'll live longer look at the world has finally done, hope they are happy. Especially the boy and all the people who gave him court problems. . Tribute to the king of pop:) . Forever in my heart. The same world will miss u.
Angaye junior
Bayelsa,Nigeria
Posted: June 26, 2009, 10:38

King of dance and one legend which is difficult to get born in this century has passed away.It was very shocking news and however, may his body and soul rest in peace.
Ravi
Jharkhand,India
Posted: June 26, 2009, 10:26

It was a great shock,still I couldn't belive.He was an asset in music world .
Anish Kannankara Thankachan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 09:56

We will dearly miss Michael being a legendary pop music icon. He will be a big loss to the music industry. I remember him co-produced the "We Are The World" to gather all the big stars in the USA and raise funds for the famine victims in Africa.
Lo Angeles
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 09:45

I was just shocked when i just opened gulfnews homepage and read about the death of the famous pop singer micheal jackson.just cant believe ....anyways his time has come and may his soul rest in peace...
Boney Bersleebi
Al Ain,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 09:28

Michaellllllllll.. we loved youuuuu.... We will Miss youuu..... Off the Wall, Thriller, Bad, Dangerous and History. May your soul rest in peace.............
Fijo Fernandez
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 09:08

I am totally shocked about this news, I cannot believe that the "King of Pop" is now gone, if this is really true, then I extend my condolences to the family, since my younger days, I am into dancing, he was my idol, the moves and everything "WOW", I even performed impersonating as MJ, he was an inspiration, he may be in a lot of issues, but as a performer he was the "KING", its such a great loss, I know his legacy as the best will never fade away.
Eduard
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 08:49

The world is in a state of shock after knowing that the king of pop is dead. This is a sad day for all the fans
Atif Abbas
Dubai,UAE
Posted: June 26, 2009, 08:49