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Michael Jackson 1958-2009

by James Amar

Michael Jackson has died, aged 50, after a suspected heart attack. The singer was rushed to hospital in Los Angeles where doctors tried, unsuccessfully, to resuscitate him. He leaves behind him three children – and a world in shock.

Michael Jackson (c) PA Photos 2009 His first wife Lisa Marie Presley expressed a “massive loss on so many levels”, while Madonna said "his music will live on forever”.

Jackson's glittering career was launched when he joined his brothers on stage as the youngest member of The Jackson Five, enjoying enormous success with hits such as ABC and I Want You Back.

His work as a solo artist proved even more fruitful, with the trail-blazing Off The Wall setting the tone before, unforgettably, Thriller became the best-selling album of all time.

His death comes just weeks before Jackson was due to start his much-hyped This Is It comeback tour, with no fewer than 50 dates in London. As fans across the world struggle to come to terms with his sudden death, read the tributes for the King of Pop left by Orange.co.uk users.

RIP MJ.

Comments

he was simply micheal jackson the name says it all.i grew up with his music the man was the greatest.i was reading today some of his poams and reflections that he wrote titled dancing the dream..and the very last page says. THE DREAM CONTINUES... and it will from myself and all the millons of fans around the world.we will keep it alive. rest in peace mj

oh, MJ is gone. the world is going to miss one of the best entertainers of all time. now MJ you are enterring into the living legend. Rest in Peace.


Just one word will be able to describe him

UNREPLACEABLE

God be with you, and thank you for having provide so much happiness with your music

Luzia

Really gutted to hear about Michael Jackson, his music was one of a kind!!!!! My thoughts are with all his family and close friends. He was a great person and everyone will be sad to let him go!!!

shocked to hear about his death the man is a legend his music will live forever rest in peace michael

R.I.P michael

We loved your music
May you rest in peace
Miss you :'(

You were a big part of my life when i was growing up, i feel i know you personally. Your music will live on and on and on. Michael R.I.P, no more demons. Goodnight. xxxxx

very shocked. I didnt think he would be able to complete all the concert dates but never dreamed he would die before. Big loss to music. Hes IN PEACE NOW. R.I.P

I have never been a fan of MJ, however I do understand why people are shocked and saddened by his death.

I now wonder how many people will now start to cash in on thier stories etc.

Cruicified by the press, hounded by lawsuits... A singer, a legend but above all a doting father to three children.. I really hope that Michael is in a better place now and where ever he is, may he always know true happiness... My thoughts are with his family at this time... Mx

yeah, Farrah Fawcett much more talented. nice one , love you long time .

Michael Jackson, You ledgend! never forgotten! always in our hearts with your style and fantastic music! R.I.P The King Of Pop! i will miss you, i think wheneva i look in the mirror i will remember you, and your amazing song! xx

There are absolutely no words that can express this man only the words like phenomenon fantastic genius icon worlds greatest entertainer, musician!! Words are beyond me to describe him he was to me 'out of this world' which is how many saw him and why they misunderstood him. He was there throughout my life the happy times the good times the sad times I played his records and they healed my heart in so many ways that no-one else could or did. I will miss him but his music will play on in my heart and my life forever. I cannot thank him enough. I am privileged to have been on this same earthplane as him and only hope I meet him once again when its my turn to leave because the world is a sadder place without him. May you RIP Michael we love you so much xxxx

If your child got abused would you settle out of court for money, I dont think so!!! If you did, your sick! He was innocent he brought joy to people am sure you have sung along and enjoyed loads of times ive been waiting to see him since I was a child. R.I.P Micheal our thoughts are with your family will miss you.

what about Farrah Fawcett i will miss her to.

i cant believe e has gone, life is so short an e will be remembered forever. he did not abuse any child, people are just sad in this world they do anythink to try get money. r.i.p micheal you will always live on. xxx

Respect Mike...Not my type music but respect what you did for the World of Music.

Know how ur fans must feel Cause i felt the same when we lost the Iconic Freddie Mercury but like him you live on through your songs.

Like fredie mercury its RIP BUT FOR YOU AND HIM ITS
R=rEAL
I= Iconic
P= Person

Winds change directions and storms are predictable. I was at a loss of words once I heard the news reports. I've been a fan since I was a little boy his music was timeless he raised the bar in music. He was a great performer and his gift was displayed each time he stepped on stage. To the family , friends and millions of fans you have my prayers the days ahead will be difficult but know God is in control. as i turn on the T.V. I see his face; his smile when I turn on the radio I hear his music the lyrics so well crafted so beautifully painted, as I listen to the lyrics of " Human Nature", "You are not alone", The Man in the mirror" and countless other classics you created I'm reminded of what your purpose was on earth. I hope the family is given respect to mourn for their love one, this isn't the time for negativity we need to uplift them with love, support and many many prayers and remember him as he would want many to. How do we say goodbye to someone who meant so much in so many eyes, How could we say goodbye to someone who music represented so much? It's hard , memories of yesterday could be seen today. he was a father , a son , a brother , a uncle , a legend to his fans and a friend to those around him I'll take a moment to say thank you because I know what true music should sound like because of you and so much of what is missing in music today your songs make up for that. To the family I don't know your pain I can only Imagine just know you all are in my thoughts and prayers you all knew him best. Through your tears know sunshine lingers behind, hold onto your memories for I know there are many, his gift was unique, one of a kind he was amazing. RIP Michael Jackson. you can finally rest in peace

your music has broughtjoy too the world and always will
R.I.P m.j

What a singer....what a dancer.....could never be replaced....a sad and tragic lose to all xxxxxxx

his music wasn't my choice but I recognised he was very talented...and that is it...he was an entertainer that died before his time..his music will live on for those that appreciate it, so let's carry on with our own lives and let his family mourn their loss...most of you didn't even know him, so don't judge one way or another..he was a very sad human being in all respects

MJ..You were so understandable,keeping the inisance as a child in adult hood , What is wrong with that..?
Why because people are different , are they judged..?
Everyone is looking for answers to why you are not here . It has just been a combination of people that you trusted that let you down , not knowing who had your best interests at heart .They stripped you of everything . And you become a recluse not knowing quite where your path was to be .I feel you took things in the begining to help you , but may have become addicted .Life became lonely and you were just trying to get by , Your own world seemed safe , Peter Pan you are and they even took that away , Who would not want a zoo and fun fair , you should have been able to live life as you wanted , you worked hard to gain this life .Why did they not leave you alone , we all loved you , but it is to late ..But you will be remembered through your music , and I hope that your children will be loved and brought up by who you wanted them to be with . and lets hope people leave them alone to live the life that they want .Where ever you are we love you always , my family love you ..And we will bring are family up on your music ..You were and where every you are , We are sure you will be with loved ones , I hope my brother is with you too , I hope where you are you live the life you wanted ...Love to your family and those that loved you ,all the fans out there ...xxxx BIG HUG.xxxx

I am so sad that he is gone i cant believe it, it doesnt seem real i keep thinking its a dream, Mj rest in peace you are such an amazing person and musician, you will be missed truly but we will never forget you, you have a place in all our hearts forever, i didnt know you personally but i feel like i do through your music you have helped me get through so much in my life just by listeing to your songs, when i heard the news i couldnt stop crying its so sad he was still very young, my smypathy goes out to his family and friends
love you forever MJ (king of pop)

Rest in peace Michael. You will be greatly missed. You are now at peace.

Comparing Jackson's death to that of Hesus just shows what type of media obssessed society we live in - I find it wholly offensive. Jackson was a deeply flawed human being, for which I don't wholy blame him , considering his childhood.
The media response has been completly hysterical, with wall to wall coverage which the event does not in any way deserve. I have switched off the TV to get away from it. Whatever happened to a sense of proportion regarding such events?

cant beleive michael has gone ,what a waste, greatest entertainer and lovely lovely man, who people took advantage his kindness, and the media who are now saying he will be missed and howgreat he was cuucified him.love you forever michael rest in peace

whats all the fuss about

godbless,micheal your songs will live on.your children will miss there dad,as the world will miss you.nite nite x

A truly gifted boy, worshipped teenager, Idolised adult. Tortured soul! How having so much can destroy so much, let down by all who surrounded him, in one of lifes loneliest professions. R.I.P. Michael. A true Legend! XX

RIP you will always be remembered, you were the best xx

R.I.P Jacko, you shall live forever in our hearts!

!

i will miss mchael jackson
very much because he was the
best pop star i have ever
known. may he is looking
down at us he is in heaven now jesus is looking after him anyway god bless you
michael jackson

Michael Jackson's Thriller album helped me through my tough teenage years. When I was bullied at school Michael's music always made me pick myself and dance my socks off. I was at his "Bad" concert in Cardiff it was the best concert I have ever been, to what a performer. Love you and miss Michael xx Tracey

STILL CANNOT BELIEVE HE HAS PASSED AWAY.LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING HIM IN LONDON AS HE IS A TRUE LEGEND. SEEN HIM TWICE AT WEMBLEY 1988 AND 1992! UNBELIEVABLE!!!!!!!!!!
RIP THE KING OF POP

R.I.P Michael, thoughts are with the family. Brought up with the music and going stay in family...

Buffallo Soldier was the best song you ever did.

And to think I was even named after you

Love Derek Baker

I think Michael Jackson was an icon of our time, he was just unfortunately really misunderstood, he started out at such a young age, so therefore missed out on his childhood, this is why I think he created Neverland, to re-live it, and to help others, he was a truly gifted man and will be missed greatly all around the world, but he will live forever through the magical music he created.

he was amazing!! i love this guy!! :)

i met Michael jackson with his brothers( jackson Five) in Glasgow in 1972 at the Albany hotel , where, they sat at the next table to us and he was lovely and chatted away to all the people in the restaurant. A beautiful little boy!!!!

I still cant believe Michael has gone,when i heard he had really died i jus wanted 2 cry.The news has hit me very hard,and to all of his fans all over the world,i was just sooo gutted and heartbroken.He was a legend,icon,idol and genius.Nobody will come close to being the next MJ,he was the one and only and i thank god for giving him the talent that he deserved.I will always remember him for his music,dancing and memorable concerts and performances like Motown 25.Michael was the only person who made me want to dance and perform like him.Thank you for the memories Michael,u will b forever in our hearts,may the lord bless and keep u.R.I.P Michael

my dad who was your freind will never ever forget you as he used to attend all the live concerts you did !!!

my whole family will remember you thruoghout

Springwatch, Smooth criminal, Springwatch. cookoo.. cookoo..

RIP Michael you will be missed...

He touched so many lives with his music...i knew this morning at 12 am because my friend told me i was crying all night :( a total loss.
R.I.P we shall miss you and carry on supporting your family through this horrible time. xx

By Zoe Jackson

I grew up with michael jacksons music in the 80's and nobody can knock he is a legend.He is the most talented singer/dancer and all round performer in my lifetime. He will be missed but his music and legend with live on.

Very eccentric and misunderstood but unbelievable brillance in dance and music. An icon which ever way you look at it.

You will always be remembered,if it was not for you're music my kids would not exist now. We will miss you.

MJ has been saved from the nasty people who ridiculed him who were out to get him and made his life a misery. It is those that should be asking god for forgiveness. He suffered on this earth just like Jesus and he has died a legend just like Jesus. He gave more enjoyment and happiness to millions all over the world. People are dying everyday in the name of religion. MJ created happiness and gave love to many people. MJ Rocks!!! May he now rest in peace and god bless his children and family at this sad time. God Bless all those who loved him. There will never be another like him... ever!! I am and was priviliged to be alive at the same time as him. He made life worth living because of his music and the happiness it brought millions all over the world. For this I thank god for every minute of every day I listened to his music and watched his videos. They were fantastic an brought so much enjoyment to me and my family. We were so looking forward to going to see him this year but sadly its not to be. For all those who said it would never happen.... they were right.. their premonitions correct...but for all the wrong reasons!! He died trying to get fit for his last tour that many fans wanted and he needed because he is and was adored the world over.

Paula Abdul's dead?? Who's gonna look after the cartoon cat?

still cant quite believe it! i have grown up with michael and no none else will ever replace him! he was a true legend,i and my family were so looking forward to seeing him perform in august and now feel a huge loss that i will never see him perform. God bless, sleep well michael xxxxxxxxxxxx

HIS MUSIC WAS NOT MY TYPE OF MUSIC, BUT !!!!!!!!!!!! NO ONE CAN EVER TAKE AWAY FROM HIM,HOW UTTERLEY BRILLIANT, HIS MUSIC AND DANCING WAS !!! THERE WILL NEVER BE ANYONE TO EQUAL HIM , AND, OH ! HOW HE WILL BE MISSED !!! I HOPE YOU FIND THE PEACE IN HEAVEN MICHAEL, THAT ALWAYS SEEMED TO EVADE YOU, HERE ON EARTH !!! GODBLESS YOU, AND MAY YOU REST IN PEACE !!!

There are too many negative comments on here. Who are we to judge a man we never even knew, are we all so perfect, i think not. You cannot deny he was a musical genius, that i can judge him on. Maybe now he will find the peace he never had in later life. Sympathies to all his family.

I'm in floods of tears here... American Idol has lost it's best judge.

Great career at both Norwich & Wigan Matt.
I'll never forget the night you won player of the year at Norwich in 1998 and we celebrated with an Olympic breakfast at the little chef ... one knife, two forks. oh the memories
R.I.P Matty

Michael Jackson was a legend, there will never be a better entertainer. Presley, Mercury, now Jackson, the best always die young. Although Michael lived a troubled life he touched so many of us with his music, the man was so talented. My heart goes out to his 3 children and his family. Lets just hope the media can leave him to rest in peace. Farewell Michael.

so gutted. he was great in pulp fiction with the whole 'and I will strike down upon thee' malarky. Bit ropey in snakes on a plane but he did have a sparkly light sabre in star wars. Either way Legend!

My first thought was 'a tortured soul now at rest'. And that is all I have to say.

HIS LIFE AND MUSIC TOUCHED SO MANY PEOPLE - HIS TALENT WAS UNQUESTIONABLE - I FEEL PRIVILIGED TO HAVE HAD YOUR MUSIC IN MY LIFE - YOU WILL LIVE ON THROUGH YOUR MUSIC - RIP AND CONDOLENCES TO YOUR FAMILY

RIP jacko the world owes you for what u have done in music and the great gift of your talent god bless theres one more true star up above now x

Thriller was the peak of his musical genius, but that was 27 years ago. After that the musical decline grew steeper year on year, eventually hurtling head-on into his personal life during this decade. When reported scandal becomes more important than the music, its over.

The autopsy may reveal more about what really happened to this 50 yr old man, but I doubt the family will allow it into the public domain.

A dream come true over the 110m hurdles and a real ambassador for Wales. He was also unlucky not to win his season of Strictly Come Dancing.. You will be sorely missed.

Rest in peace Michael you were a fantastic artist I can't believe that he's died!!! And great sadness all around the world Rest in peace Michael Jackson

My HEART Felt PRAYERS go out to Michael's Family. I only HOPE the Media RESPECT Their Wishes and PRIVACY. When I think about Michael Jackson I automatically think of Peter Pan. Have you heard the expresion "The inner child trying to get out" With Michael it was always "the inner adult trying to get out" This is what made him endearing. If only more of us took the time to listen too the inner child within us all and have fun.
I hope Michael has found the love, peace and acceptance he so despratley sought after. But he only had too look at all his adoring fans to know how much he was adored, if only he could have believed. After all Peter Pan Believed in love, peace and happiness. Rest in Peace. I hope you have found true happiness. xxx xxx xxx

We will miss you michael the world has lost a fabulous artist and a good man your music will live on - a fan since you started your career and I will remain so - God Bless and keep you. My sympathy and respect to your family at this sad time with love always Lyn xxx

The music and entertaintment industry has lost one of its greatest assets, not only was he a fantastic artist but a unique individual. R.I.P. Michael

MEMORIES ARE SHORT!
MANY OF THE MOURNERS TURNED THEIR BACKS ON HIM IN HIS TIMES OF TROUBLE!
NOW HE IS A HERO
TOO LATE
MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY

im 43 and all through my earlie years till now michael jacksons music has been there .i am so devestated by this shocking news.i was so looking forward to going to see him live at the 02 and now today i sit here in a trance not knowing what to do next,my thoughts love and prays go to his family ,never forgotten a legend 4 ever
R.I.P M.J

Only once will this kind of talent ever be seen. Now it has gone forever. RIP Michael xx

gina, i was stood behind you at aintree in '88!

you where a great person and also the king of pop.i done alot of dances to your song.rip you will be missed by millions.x

UTTER SHOCK FROM MY FAMILY EVEN MY 7 YEAR OLD IS GUTTED.
R.I.P MJ

Rest you are at peace now

Once you have been to a Michael Jackson concert, all the others fade into the background. His music will live on forever, I just wish he had had a more contended life. RIP

Rest in peace Michael you were a fantastic artist you made some great music and people need to remember the good things you did and forget the bad. xxx

The news is really really sad and a big shock that I didnt believe it at first. I had the honour to see him perform at Aintree in 1988 which was sensational. Im glad to be able to have Michael Jackson on my list of gigs!
R.I.P Michael and love and thoughts to his family at this sad time. x

It was a terrible shock last night to hear that micheal jackson had died. No one can hurt you now, sweet dreams, julie and leon

In responseto P Thomas who questions whether Michael Jackson has gone to heaven and that you have to ask Jesus for permission to pass through the gates of heaven. If you believein Jesus that much you will also realise that the man gave a lot of happiness to millions of people the worldover and for thatthere will be a place just for him. I know no other person who is loved and adored the world over. Thats proof enough of how heavenly he was and I dont think for a second the Lord would not let such a wonderful person pass through because if MJ is somewhere else then thats the place I'd want to be rather than a murderer who believes in Jesus and what the bible says. My father was the kindest most loving man you could wish to meet but he never went to church because he was a shy man butloved his family. Thats more than I can say for all sorts of people out there now who murder rape take drugs and give no happiness to anyone only misery yet you say if they repent they will go to heaven and he wont if he didnt believe. MJ believed alright because God gave him his god-given talent to give to the world. MJ Rocks and is loved by the world over that is the power of the man given to him by God!! the very person you say wont let him in!!! How much happiness and enjoyment have you given to millions in your every day life?

destiny ! nothing that we can do we can just pray to God that He will forgive us all, and be ready because we never know when its the time to go. That is the reason we should not juge any one, we are nothing in this planet, we are just passing and better do good actions because this is the only thing you take with you when you dead (your actions nothing else) even all the money in this planet can save you.Mickael is dead may god bless him and this should be a message for every body nothing last for ever in this world so tink.... Sorry for the mistake but english its not my language, but i hop you understant what i whant to say to you. God bless you all

Michael was a musical genius. His music and creativity was second to none.
He will be very sadly missed by everyone.
My thoughts are with his friends and family at this sad time.
RIP Michael x

our hearts go out to your children and the rest of your family at this sad time,R.I.P.michael,your a legend.............

REST IN PEACE SADLEY MISSED XXX

Just a totally awesome and spectacular artist and performer. His songs were sensational and such a wonderful career regards music (unfort. not so much in his personal life, not his doing and all of it not true) I will never get to see him in concert (even tho I was lucky enough to get tickets for his up & coming concert) and for this I will be extremely sad as I am sure he would have done everything possible to prove to his fans that he was worth it!
Now at peace both physically and mentally, god bless and hope to see you on the other side :o)

One minut your here next we are dead it will hapened to all of us one day. Rich or pauv nothing can stop it when its your time its your time. God bless us all.

well im still in shock, found out 20mins after he passed away, and dont think i still even beleive it... his poor children left behind, but they will sure know they were very much loved, like MJ himself. will be missed by everyone, again people dont need to write negative comments on here, think of the good things to a man who has sadly lost his life xx

sadness all around the world he was and always will be a great star and to all the sad people who bad mouth him for all the allegations believe me if it were true he would have been convicted so lay off and let him now rest in peace and too all the people who have black mailed him ! No more money .

Gone but never forgotten, you will forever be in the hearts of your fans, friends and family.

Your music will live on for generations, an inspiration to many people.

Today the music died.

Rest in peace Michael Jackson xxx

Thought his early stuff with Jackson Five was good - not great and was never really a fan - Each to his / her own. All the negative comments have no place on this forum though at this time - show some respect towards someone who many many people adored and also to his family and loved ones.
Rock and Roll will never die.

I can't believe that he's died!!! Micheal Jackson was an absolute genious when it came to his music!!! His awsome songs and his brilliant dance routines made him what he is which is a legend of music!!! RIP Micheal Jackson xx

a true musician a man thats know's his music xx RIP x

even though im not that old i thought mj was a complete legend and all of hiw songs inspired people and liften dreams. even thought he went past a bad stage with children (which i dont believe) every1 still luved him and id like to dedicate my tutor class of thriller to the death of mj R.I.P (im the 1 in the black top)

Very sad indeed but just goes to show that whoever we are we all go the same way. "We come into the world with nothing and go out with nothing". A strange thing that everyone assumes he is in heaven? The only way to heaven is through faith in Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross for sin. (I'd never heard of Michael Jackson having faith in Christ, I hope i'm wrong). Jesus said "I AM THE DOOR (to heaven) by me if anyone enters in they shall be saved".

You were a Legend R.I.P X

I was shocked at the news that Micheal Jackson had died last night of a heart attack and there is no doubt that the man was the musical genius of my generation,but having remembered that in 1977 I was at the Blue Dolphin Holiday Park in Filey at the time as a 13 year old boy, the way the shocking news that another former King of Music being Elvis had died back in 1977 that peice of news was released, as a last minute piece of information filling only around 2 inches square on the back page of Daily Mirror that day, as the news broke late at nite and there was not the instant access to news that we have today. I must say I think when you study Micheal Jackson`s press conference about the now cancelled British Concerts I think Micheal`s body language was saying then, that he knew he did not have much time left and maybe just maybe Micheal wanted to leave in spectacular style and be remembered for his last British Concert Performances that he was unable to perform. The genius is now at peace with himself and hopefully he will be remembered for his music and not the scandles, once all the fuss settles down surrounding his death, because in the end his heart could not handle the pressure he had put himself under in his spotlight life. R.I.P.

R.I.P Michael you will be missed sadley by a lot of fans espeacily your family xx

His loss is a great one to all those that remember his music and not his career being shadowed by all the controversy. He is the king and everyone in every corner of the world knows about him he is a true legend and every song was enjoyable. RIP jacko

thay cant take your money now michael r.i.p

Elvis, Lennon And Jackson. All gods as far as im concerned. He will never be forgotten, even with the poisionous, not proven quotes that are flying about.
Rest In Peace MJ

If there`s a Billboard in Heaven then MJ has just made TOP BILLING. ELVIS, LENNON & now Michael Jackson,... thats gonna be some concert. R.I.P. - If YOU were ever a fan then comment Your Favourite MJ track. One of my favs that springs to mind was from the album `Triumph` with The Jackson 5 and a track titled "WORKING DAY & NITE" - Mike Shy (ACADEMY)

Tragic, just goes to show that wealth and fame do not bring happiness. Some wannabes out there ought to be happy with what they have and stop being so shallow and greedy. He had a sad life and a sad death but gave so much happiness in song to so many. RIP MJ.

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