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June 25th, 2009
09:05 PM ET

Michael Jackson's Life: A timeline

[cnn-photo-caption image=http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/05/20/michael.jackson.tour/art.jackson.gi.jpg caption="Michael Jackson, music legend, died today at the age of 50"]

Program Note: For more on Michael Jackson's life, legacy, and sudden death, tune in tonight,  AC360° at 10 p.m. ET

CNN

Michael Jackson, one of the most popular entertainers of the past century and the "King of Pop," died Thursday, June 25, and after suffering sudden cardiac arrest, CNN has confirmed.

Click through the timeline to read more about Jackson's life, much of which has been spent in the public spotlight.

Keep reading...


Filed under: 360° Radar • Michael Jackson
soundoff (150 Responses)
  1. randell

    Princess Diana and Micheal Jackson,two ot the most important and well known people ever in the world , next to Jesus Christ of course. How amazing is that!

    June 26, 2009 at 9:53 am |
  2. Danielle

    As I watched the news last night unfold, I was tremendously saddened. To know that we have lost such an amazing talented human being, at such a young age breaks my heart.

    How many people will we have to lose in such a tragic manner before something is done? I believe, and only time will truly tell, that he suffered from addiction and the enablers around him should all be held accountable. It is disgusting that he had no one by his side who truly cared about his life.

    Elvis, Monroe, Anna Nicole and so many many others who have died prematurely at the hands of doctors and pharmacists and sycophants.

    Something must change.

    June 26, 2009 at 9:34 am |
  3. Ruskin UNG

    Wow, wat can i say. He was excellent and his performances were out of this world. He was ahead of his time and he still lives on in our hearts and the pages of histroy even to tomorrow. The spirit of excellence in him made him the EXCELLENCY of music. The shoe he left behind cant be filled. Another void is created in the timeline of history just like King Solomon but he was the King of Pop.
    Goodbye.

    June 26, 2009 at 9:30 am |
  4. arthur

    It didn’t matter if you were black then white, you rock my world. You were the first to teach me my 123's and abc ’s. Without your constant music making and flashy dancing, the world of pop music would have never had a king. You were a smooth criminal the way you slid out of your trials, you beat it! The way you make me feel when I saw the newest addition to your face or former black skin. You are not alone, all of your fans will make your memory last forever. The way you moon walked and grabbed yourself with a sparkly glove was a thriller. You had the, don’t stop ‘til you get enough approach to conquering the pop world. Although you hung your kid from a balcony and had some close calls with other people’s kids, you are bad. I just can’t stop loving you!
    -R.I.P. Michael Jackson

    June 26, 2009 at 9:14 am |
  5. Marie Miner

    Michael Jackson was an extremely talented and loving man. It's horrible that the media is still hurting him after his death in spite of his acquittal. You never here anything negative reported about other races when they pass away. When David (Kun fu) died, you never gave the dirty bazzar details on the air in respect for his loved ones, family, and his reputation. Why can't the media let the negative go and let those of us who love him and believed in him morn in peace?

    June 26, 2009 at 9:10 am |
  6. JALAL (Saudi Arabia)

    In the upcoming lines I’d like to thank Michael Jacksn for many things which will never be forgotten. Been a shining rainbow for poor children could be one of these unforgetten gifts which Michael presented to the world. Another gift which Michael presented to us was the love of music. He succeded in gathering people all over the world. He was as a peace dove which never cared about race, skin color, or language. He made music as love wrap (joint).
    Unfortunatly, this rainbow has vanished by the days because the people around him. They filled his brightness with lies and fales accusations using his love for children. it was as an infinit fog. They had broke the dove’s wings and left it to die.
    For us as fans, he’s like the North Star which guide us to heaven of music. His soul will remain in everybody’s heart. He’ll be so only 4 those who never pay attention to his body details. only 4 thoes who love him for his music.

    God Bless Your Soul Michael

    R I P

    June 26, 2009 at 8:54 am |
  7. linda Plasket

    I am sitting here reading some of the comments about Michael Jackson.. Some are calling MJ "the molester". How rude and disrespectful. This man was an icon and was brilliant as a musician and entertainer. My comment for these people is: as a parent, no amount of money would make me stop molestation charges against a man accused of them. These accusers sold out their children for millions of dollars...what does that say about them? Rest in peace Michael you now have it.

    June 26, 2009 at 8:36 am |
  8. william

    God, please, revive michael now

    June 26, 2009 at 7:52 am |
  9. Cheryl

    What I don't understand is if his doctor was there the night before why didn't he make Miichael go to the hospital. The other thing I don't understand is if the was wth Michael, why are they doing an autposy? I was umder the impression that if a doctor was there that he could sign the death certificate and of course he would put down cardiac arrest. I find this very strange and I feel that there are a lot of questions. If the doctor was his personal doctor there should be no need for an autopsy.
    I have listened to Michael's songs and he was a fantastic man and in no way was he a child molester. The news media should leave that issue alone because Michael's children don't need to hear about it as they are growing up. They are going to go through enough with the not having their father with them. The bottom line is that the media should talk about what a wonderful man and father is and what a fantastic entertainer he was and the wonderful songs he wrote and sang for the people aroumd the world. Let him rest in peace.

    June 26, 2009 at 7:28 am |
  10. Abubakar

    As the world mourns the lose of a great entertainer, I wonder why all the major news stations skirt around one of Michael's greatest acts, conversion to Islam. His choice in his change of faith is of great consequence but was drowned in the media when he was alive. Please let not only his music and charity (and some alleged negatives) be his only legacy.

    June 26, 2009 at 6:57 am |
  11. Als

    CNN need to respect the dead. God will judge each and everyone of us in our passing. He who is with out sin cast the first stone. Michael Jackson music is his leagacy to the world. He also has three children that the media need to be mind full of. The pictures of him being with the oxygen mask on in the ambulance plastered all over the magazines is horrible. Farahs Pictures was not out like that so let Michael have some respect in death. All of us are headed that way so have some respect and treat people the way you would want to be treated. World Iconic Legend Michael Jackson, Farrah Fawcett Actress, RIP.

    June 26, 2009 at 6:42 am |
  12. Chip

    Rather than cancelling the O2 concerts they should do tribute concerts with supporting acts to pay homage to a true legend.

    June 26, 2009 at 6:40 am |
  13. Jay

    Don't forget that he paid 20 million dollars in a civil child abuse suit. Who does that without suspicion. He is and was a child molester. Do not mourn him. Be happy he is dead so he cannot molest another child.

    June 26, 2009 at 6:31 am |
  14. Chip

    You truly rocked our world Michael. Your Legend will live on forever. x

    June 26, 2009 at 6:11 am |
  15. nana malik Indonesia

    Indonesian people love you Michael... We hope you rest in peace amin....WE LOVE YOU.

    June 26, 2009 at 5:22 am |
  16. bodydetox_girl

    it is so sad that the king of pop is already dead. we are going to miss him but his music will be remembered forever.

    June 26, 2009 at 5:20 am |
  17. Amal

    MJ will be remembered for his music!!!! His passion for singing , dancing and he entertained his fans in the most amazing way!!! RIP Micheal.J we all love you!!!

    June 26, 2009 at 4:51 am |
  18. Carolyn King

    Such sad news to hear–I was hoping it wasn't true. I grew up with Michael Jackson, my children loved him as well. The world will truly miss The King of Pop. Thanks for the Great music and videos, Michael. I love you so much--R.I.P
    Decatur, Ga.

    June 26, 2009 at 3:52 am |
  19. Valerie

    I've always been a Michael fan I'm just older that he was. Michael was brilliant, the things he did with Billie Jean and Thriller, later black and white, and his We are the World work, when you truly look at it was brilliant and way before others!! The dancing, the videos, we all watched and I personally loved. How sad that his life is cut short! Such a talented man! Whether you are a fan or not, this is a great loss to our music in our lifetime. I'm thankful that I grew up with the Jackson 5 and then watched Michael do so many good things.
    Our prayers to his family at this hard time, I hope they are left alone to do what they need to do!

    June 26, 2009 at 3:44 am |
  20. harsimrat

    a early and tragic end of a legend.

    June 26, 2009 at 2:50 am |
  21. KEVIN K

    God Bless you Michael Jackson RIP hope we will see you again one day hopefully soon when our Lord Jesus Comes

    We will remember him as a my favorite group The Jackson 5

    I will allways Love The Jackson 5 up to Michael Jackson Motown 25th
    Performance I will not forget him I might get a Jackson 5 Shirt to show my respect of Michael Jackson & His Brothers
    I the LPs Singles,45mpm s including his Glove Socks Penny Loafers

    One Day when the Lord Comes which will be soon or any minute we will see are loved ones including Michael Jackson United With his family in our spiritual bodies that Jesus will give us when he comes.

    June 26, 2009 at 2:47 am |
  22. Greg Curtis Sr.

    There is no other voice like his!! The young MJ was amazing and the adult MJ was equally AMAZING!!!! I saw MJ in 1970 at the Houston Astro Dome. I sat on my mother's shoulders for 2 hours and watched J5 Live!!! That changed my life forever!!! With a Grammy Award to my credit in 2006 a song called "Victory" Performed by Yolanda Adams and a #1 R&B Billboard song "I Remember" By Keyshia Cole!!! And "LOVE"much more!!! I credit that all to the inspiration of my idol MR. MICHAEL J. JACKSON!!!!!!
    To the JACKSON family, I love you all! Fellas yall know I'm ever greatful to you all!!! Titto, jermaine,jackie and randy you guys have my heart!!! Sharing time with you guys is still like a dream come true!! Thank you for openning your hearts to the music I put together for you!! My prayers are with you!! MJ was and still is the best!!! You all are!! The Jackson Family changed the world forever!!!! Thank You!!!

    June 26, 2009 at 2:25 am |
  23. Carole Valpone

    RIP Michael Jackson. Your Legend will Live on!

    June 26, 2009 at 2:04 am |
  24. john

    Michael Jackson was a outstanding and talented musician. God bless The Jackson family.

    June 26, 2009 at 1:42 am |
  25. vincent---Md.

    May Ed, Michael and Farrah all rest in peace, when the body is tired God will give it rest. If you don t have something good to say about these good people don t say nothing. Three more angles.

    June 26, 2009 at 1:31 am |
  26. Mari

    I pray for the Jackson's family and that Michael Jackson's in passing that he will rest in peace because some people in this world and flesh did not give it to him.

    Please forget the bad and ugly and think about the good he brought to the world through the wonderful talent that God gave him.

    Please press core and gossipers and haters, let his family have privacy for . God Bless everyone.

    June 26, 2009 at 1:00 am |
  27. Frankie , Las Vegas

    Have a heart, Eugenia from San Francisco. The most talented person in the entertainment world has just passed at the early age of 50 and and you have the gall to sit there on you sinless backside and accuse Michael of being a child molester. If I called you a child molester, does it make it true ? If you are not able to prove it , keep your mouth shut and try to say something comforting to his family...What a b....ch you are.

    June 26, 2009 at 12:51 am |
  28. Irene Giannoulakis

    Rest in peace Michael.
    You will be always in our hearts.
    You were an angel, maybe a lonely one, as they say: but be sure that you will always be remembered and loved.

    1958 a star was born, a star that will always remain alive in our hearts.

    June 26, 2009 at 12:47 am |
  29. Dina

    I grew up listening to MJ's music and watching his video. What a legend, what a loss. I blame all those that mentally beat him up over and over, from his Father to those false law suits to whomever tried to bring down his name. Only now may they realize the loss of someone truly special. We love you MJ. May you rest in peace.

    June 26, 2009 at 12:28 am |
  30. Anna

    thần tượng của tôi đã từ dã coi đời này ông ra đi là mất đi một ngôi sao trên bầu trời âm nhạc thế giới
    I love you,Michael Jackson
    I live in VietNam
    thank you

    June 26, 2009 at 12:24 am |
  31. vanessa

    What a blessed yet lonely life.
    I wished always that I could talk with him to help him.
    God bless the family and may you come together as Michael's wish.
    Our Father has called you home with open arms,you will not be alone any more God Bless.

    June 26, 2009 at 12:13 am |
  32. Dk . Syaakiirroh

    It's so sad to hear that Micheal Jackson died.......................
    Actually I heared that Micheal Jackson was gonna perform at London..
    I was really looking forward of Micheal Jackson performing at London..

    Stay in Peace forever and we will always know that you are the one who did the dance that nobody did in History....

    June 26, 2009 at 12:08 am |
  33. Salliann

    for the fans out there too sad to listen to the news media machine, BET is running a michael video marathon, no bs, just celebration of his life and his genius. we love you, michael, god bless you and may you rest in peace.

    June 26, 2009 at 12:05 am |
  34. Lado

    R.I.P. Michael Jackson

    June 26, 2009 at 12:02 am |
  35. Ricky Ford

    still can’t believe it, It’s so sudden, but all I can say is that you’ll be missed. I’ll always remember you. MJ. Louisville,Kentucky

    June 26, 2009 at 12:02 am |
  36. Salliann Reid Rose

    i have cried in disbelief and sadness after hearing of Michael Jackson's death today. Watching the news coverage with the clips of him with the Jackson 5...i was born in 1967, so i have literally ALWAYS been a Jackson fan, always will be. My heart goes out to his children and his family. Your loss is truly felt by millions around the world. "You Are Not Alone", we grieve and suffer and celebrate his life with you. Michael, you are in my heart and in my prayers. much love from a life-long fan, Salliann

    June 26, 2009 at 12:02 am |
  37. Denise

    My heart is so heavy, yes, I know people die every day,but there will Never, I repeat never be another Michael Jackson this crap that they call music today in no ways compares to what Mike did.Rest in peace fallen angel!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    June 25, 2009 at 11:59 pm |
  38. Molly Nelson

    Remembering Michael Jackson, I remember the first t.v. show that
    had the Jackson 5 on it. We were all in love with Michael. As years
    went on the love grew. We couldn't get enough of Michael. One summer my husband, 3 children and I went on a vacation to California and went to Knotts Berry farm. Some of the rides were blocked off. What was going on? Michael Jackson was there making a commercial. We stopped to sit on a park bench to rest our weary bones and have an icecream, and lo and behold behind us walking down the railroad tracks was Michael Jackson and his crew. Hardly anyone was around us. We sat in amazement, as he walked down the tracks in his glittery outfit. I could have reached out and touched him. We were too shocked to do anything but stare. What a wonderful memory.
    I also have a Michael Jackson Thriller 12 inch doll with glittering magical gloves, and microphone still in the box that I bought on a whim in 1984 and it has been in my cedar chest. What would that be worth today? priceless. His memory will last forever in the hearts of my family. He was a truely talented genius, and I am so glad I was around to see him grow up. The world lost a wonderful icon.

    June 25, 2009 at 11:58 pm |
  39. Amekjang Barkuei

    When I heard/watched thriller for the very first time, I was about 5 years old; back in Sudan. I didn't understand a word from what he was saying; because I couldn't speak English..but who cares? I was jumping around, acting like I was singing, and ever since then, I fell in love with him...R.I.P my very first crush ever..Michael Jackson.

    June 25, 2009 at 11:58 pm |
  40. James

    I thought this was a news channel it might as well be TMZ. We've got soldiers dieing,flu viruses,government stepping on our rights and the presidents intentional devaluation of the american dollor and you people spending all day telling us about the death of a child molester.

    If we want news we've got watch cspan,get it right from the source.then we got decifer politician doubletalk to find they're telling us the same thing as the conspericy websites Why aren,t you doing your job

    June 25, 2009 at 11:58 pm |
  41. John kokes, Ghana

    Am so sad and
    shocked. How
    could death be
    so mean taking
    two great ppl at
    the same time?
    Oh mike how i
    wish i was gonna
    see u for the
    last time in
    london do the
    moon walk. Rest
    in peace mike
    and i know
    heaven will b
    happy to receive
    u. Say hi to elvis,
    james, luther,
    bob, pac, biggy,
    left eye, culture
    and terry
    bonchaka from
    Ghana.

    June 25, 2009 at 11:55 pm |
  42. vanessa campbell

    hi this is vanessa campbel from fremont i just want to say that i love micheal jackson an he will always be in my heart an my dads heart forever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    June 25, 2009 at 11:53 pm |
  43. Essence

    Please respect MJ....He is a Legend!!! This is a lost however God still gets all The Praise for allowing all of the world to meet MJ!!!! Please respect the family during the tragic loss.

    June 25, 2009 at 11:53 pm |
  44. Muhammad Gamal

    I didn't belive my ears when i first heared of michael jackson's death and im still in shock that is the king of pop is actually dead... i mean god what happened in there? how it happened? and why? im dying for hearing the whole complete truth about what is really happened and for now all i can say is may god have mercy on his soul and may he rest in peace
    love always and forever for the real king of pop Michael Jackson

    June 25, 2009 at 11:53 pm |
  45. Patsy Price

    Don't forget Farrah Faucett died today also... She was a big loss
    to many also.

    June 25, 2009 at 11:53 pm |
  46. awura adjoa

    Micheal Jackson is really gone its still hard to believe. hope the family are given the opportunity to mourn him privately without press interference. i just cant stop crying he was my all favorite. hope he rests in peace with his maker

    June 25, 2009 at 11:52 pm |
  47. Dosse

    Michael will be in memories forever and he will never die AGAIN.
    May God give him the piece he never got on earth. Missed forever

    June 25, 2009 at 11:50 pm |
  48. eloise carr

    rip michael jackson you will be deeply missed i send my condolences to his family and may god bless each and everyone of you i will always love michael and the family stay close to one another never leave each other sides at this difficult time in your lifes hang in there.

    June 25, 2009 at 11:46 pm |
  49. George

    well I can still recall a moment 15 years ago coming into my high school and realizing that we had lost Kurt Cobain, and to this day as a musician this feals almost the same its such a shock.. I myself am a rock musician but I know of a great number of rock and metal musicians like myself who were also touched by the talent of Michael even though there was scandal that surounded his life sometime.. he reached out and helped with a number of charitys my thoughts and prayers go out to his family and close friends god bless michael

    June 25, 2009 at 11:45 pm |
  50. Eddie Pena

    Michael Jackson was the best singer of all time and I will miss him so much I grew up watching his music videos

    June 25, 2009 at 11:45 pm |
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