Pop King Michael Jackson Departs from the World Stage, at 50
The King of Pop Michael Jackson who set the world dancing died on Thursday in Los Angeles. A music genius, Jackson’s life is overshadowed by a peculiar life style and sex scandals.
According to Fred Corral of the Los Angeles County Coroner’s office, Jackson was declared dead at 2:26 pm after arriving at a Los Angeles hospital in full cardiac arrest. The cause of death is unknown so far and an autopsy would take place on Friday.
Ill at home, Jackson’s personal physicians attempted resuscitate him but to no avail, said his brother Jermaine, adding that he was then taken to the hospital, where doctors, after an attempt to revive him going on for over an hour, declared him dead.
Known as the “King of Pop,” for hits that included Thriller and Billie Jean, Jackson’s dramatic, one-gloved stage presence and innovative dance moves were imitated by legions of fans around the world.
Jackson, with a record sales tally believed to be nearly 750 million and 13 Grammy Awards, is considered at the most successful entertainer of all the time.
However, he also earned him critics and the nickname “Wacko Jacko” for his belief that “I am Peter Pan in my heart”, for his preference for the company with children and friendship with a chimp, for his high-pitched voice and numerous plastic surgeries.
Following his vindication in 2005 on charges of child molestation, he led an isolated life.
“For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don’t have the words. I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him,” Quincy Jones, who helped arrange the music on the album “Thriller” and produced the “Off the Wall” album, said.
Tributes to the Legend
He was a “true musical icon whose identifiable voice, innovative dance moves, stunning musical versatility, and sheer star power carried him from childhood to worldwide acclaim,” said Neil Portnow, president and CEO of The Recording Academy in a statement.
“I hope he’s gone to God, and I hope that he’s free of all the troubles he’s been plagued with,” Tonya Blazer, 50, who said she had been a fan of the star for more than four decades.
“I just feel like I’m paying tribute to him,” said Dawn Burgess, 42, a fan who said she had posters of Michael pinned to her bedroom wall when she was a child.
