Showing incredible vocal talents from an early age, Michael Jackson grew up in the public eye as the youngest – and most popular – member of the Jackson 5.
As he entered adulthood in the early 80s, Michael launched a solo career.
His unique style of music and dance revolutionised pop music and earned him the unofficial title “King of Pop”.
In the 1990s Michael faced a number of allegations of child sex abuse. Despite investigations, none of the allegations were ever proven.
Michael’s changing appearance became a topic of speculation as his skin lightened over the years (he claimed he had a skin condition) and he underwent multiple cosmetic procedures.
Michael married Lisa Marie Presley in 1994 but the marriage ended within 18 months.
He went on to marry former nurse Debbie Rowe in 1996.
The couple had two children together, Prince Michael and Paris Michael. Debbie gave up all parental rights to the children when they divorced in 2001.
Michael was extremely protective of his childrens’ privacy and insisted that they wear veils while out in public.
Michael’s third child Prince “Blanket” Michael II was born in 2002 to an unknown surrogate. Michael was widely criticised when he dangled the child over a fourth storey balcony while showing him off to the press.
After retreating from the public eye for a number of years, Michael announced his musical comeback in March 2009. His world tour was due to begin in London on July 13.
On June 26 Michael suffered a suspected heart attack in his Los Angeles home. He was rushed to hospital but doctors were unable to revive him. He was 50 years old.
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