[BC] Michael Jackson

[RichardBJohnson at comcast.net]

Michael Jackson, the sensationally gifted "King of Pop" who emerged from childhood stardom to become one of the entertainment world's most influential singer and dancer, died in a Los Angeles at the UCLA Medical Center today. He was 50 years of age.

Jackson was not breathing when Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home about 12:30 PM. Capt. Steve Ruda told the Los Angeles Times that paramedics performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center.

Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, and sometimes bizarre career which reached its peak the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, one who united black and white music, who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts, and dazzled even more on stage.

His 1982 album "Thriller," which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," and "Billie Jean," remains the biggest-selling album of all time, with more than 26 million copies sold!

He was one of the most exciting performers of his generation, known for his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves, and his high, perfect-pitched voice punctuated with deliberate off-key dissonances for emphasis. His sequined glove and tight, military-style jacket were trademarks.

In 2005, he was cleared of charges he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at Neverland, his ranch home, in 2003. He had been accused of plying the boy with alcohol and groping him. The case took a fearsome toll on his career and image, and he fell into serious financial trouble.

In 2000, Jackson was listed in the book of Guinness World Records for his support of 39 charities, more than any other entertainer or personality. In the wake of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Jackson helped organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert at RFK Stadium in Washington, D.C. The concert was aired on October 21, 2001, and included performances from dozens of major artists, including Jackson, who performed his song "What More Can I Give" as the finale.

Today, June 25, 2009, the world has lost another great performer who dedicated his life to bringing excitement and happiness to others through song and dance.

Sorry,
Richard B. Johnson
Book: http://www.AbominableFirebug.com/