Michael Jackson Dies at Age 50

The King of Pop Has Died after Cardiac Arrest

Michael Jackson has died in Los Angeles. It is now confirmed that Michael Jackson has died from reported heart failure.

Born on August 29, 1958, Michael Jackson hit the pop music scene as the youngest, and possibly most talented member of The Jackson 5. When he launched a solo career, it was a surprise to no one that Jackson was an immediate success.

Michael Jackson's Successes

Sporting a single white glove and performing his signature moonwalk, Jackson quickly became a pop icon. Affectionately known as "The Gloved One," "Jacko" and "the King of Pop," his celebrity was impossible to ignore. Successes continued to come with hits such as "Billie Jean" and "Beat It" as well as "Thriller," the biggest-selling album of all time.

The Sadder Side of Michael Jackson's Life

The sadder side of Jackson was revealed with controversial marriages to Lisa Marie Presley and Debbie Rowe. With the passing years Jackson's physical appearance began to change, as he morphed into a skeletal, androgenous parody of his former self. Later there were disturbing images of Jackson holding his infant son suspended over a hotel balcony and escorting his veiled children to the zoo.

Although he attracted controversy and condemnation for his questionable associations with young boys, he remained a child in many ways himself, a tragic symbol of fallen celebrity, a modern-day Peter Pan living an isolated existence on his ironically named Neverland Ranch.

There were always doubts about the success or even the viability of Jackson's Comeback Tour, but nonetheless it makes the timing of his death just a little more poignant and tragic.

Despite his eccentricities, Jackson will be sorely missed by his many fans from around the globe.

Michael Jackson: August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009