In Memoriam
Michael Jackson
August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009 · aged 50
Pop · R&B · Soul · Rock · Dance
Michael Joseph Jackson, universally crowned the 'King of Pop,' was arguably the greatest entertainer of the 20th century. Born in Gary, Indiana, in 1958, he transitioned from the child prodigy frontman of the Jackson 5 into a solo global phenomenon. His 1982 masterpiece 'Thriller' remains the best-selling album in music history, fundamentally shifting the pop landscape with its fusion of R&B, rock, and pop. Jackson revolutionized the music video art form with 'Billie Jean' and 'Beat It,' and introduced the world to his gravity-defying moonwalk. Despite his unprecedented commercial triumphs and unmatched philanthropic efforts, his later years were heavily overshadowed by controversies, tabloid scrutiny, and a deeply reclusive lifestyle. On June 25, 2009, while preparing for a massive comeback residency in London, Jackson died from acute propofol intoxication at the age of 50. His sudden passing literally broke the internet, marking the tragic end of a uniquely brilliant, yet deeply troubled, pop deity.
Milestones
Thriller, Billie Jean, Beat It, Moonwalk
Chart legacy
- 1987: Bad (DE #19), I Just Can't Stop Loving You (DE #29), I Just Can't Stop Loving You (US #45)
- 1988: Dirty Diana (DE #16), Smooth Criminal (DE #18), Man in the Mirror (US #21), The Way You Make Me Feel (US #30), Smooth Criminal (UK #42)
- 1989: Smooth Criminal (DE #26)
- 1991: Black or White (UK #11), Black or White (DE #21)
- 1992: Heal the World (UK #8), Remember the Time (US #12), Heal the World (DE #28), Remember the Time (DE #38), In the Closet (DE #44), In the Closet (US #47)
- 1993: Give In to Me (DE #38), Give In to Me (UK #38), Will You Be There (DE #47)
- 1994: Will You Be There (DE #50)
- 1995: Earth Song (UK #5), You Are Not Alone (UK #7), You Are Not Alone (DE #15), Earth Song (DE #21), You Are Not Alone (US #21), Scream (US #30)
- 1996: Earth Song (DE #4), They Don't Care About Us (DE #9)
- 1997: Blood on the Dance Floor (UK #22), Blood on the Dance Floor (DE #43)
Also remembered in 2009
- Koko Taylor (1928–2009)
- Les Paul (1915–2009)
- Mary Travers (1936–2009)
- Ron Asheton (1948–2009)