Remembering Michael Jackson, the King of Pop: 1958-2009

Few people have loomed as large in popular culture as Michael Jackson, who died June 25 at the age of 50 following a cardiac arrest. Jackson began performing at age 10 as the youngest member of the Jackson 5, and then embarked on a solo career starting in 1971. His studio albums have sold more than 750 million copies around the world, with 1982's Thriller often cited as the best-selling album of all time. Among Jackson's numerous accolades and career milestones are 13 GRAMMY Awards, 13 No. 1 singles, and being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. His eccentricity and personal-life drama may have kept him in the headlines in the later part of his career, but it was his instantly recognizable voice, stunning dance moves, and keen musical sensibility that earned him the title the "King of Pop." He will be remembered as one of the most famous and influential entertainers of all time.