Michael Jackson - the life and times of a music legend
Written and compiled by Paul Rance

Michael Jackson as the beautiful young man of his youth on the cover of 'Thriller'

Michael Jackson was probably a great advert for NOT being famous. One of the most iconic figures in popular music was, ultimately, killed by the stress of living up to his own legend - like Judy Garland and Elvis Presley - to name but two.

Born in Gary, Indiana, on August 29th, 1958, Michael Jackson was a precocious talent, and, if anything, and rare for a child star, became even more famous in adulthood.

Michael was part of the family quintet, The Jackson 5 (and later The Jacksons), and the five brothers signed for Motown in 1968. When the group released their first single, Michael Jackson was only 11 years old. The Jackson 5's first four singles all hit the top spot in the US singles chart in 1970 - an unprecedented feat for a group on the American charts at that time. The songs 'I Want You Back', 'ABC', 'The Love You Save', and 'I'll Be There' were a springboard for Michael's solo career, which produced early hits such as the beautiful 'Ben' and the cute 'Rockin' Robin'. At this stage - the early to mid 1970s - Michael Jackson seemed a normal, untroubled child.

"I'm never pleased with anything. I'm a perfectionist. It's part of who I am." - Michael Jackson

Renowned producer Quincy Jones was really the catalyst for Michael Jackson's career to move into a new direction, with three albums - 'Off The Wall (1979)', 'Thriller (1982)', and 'Bad (1987)'. 'Thriller' remains the biggest selling album in popular music, with well over 50 million sales worldwide (and possibly even over 100 million - sources differ!), and the title track video really kickstarted the MTV generation, where video became almost as important as audio. With the addition of horror movie star Vincent Price's creepy narration, 'Thriller' probably remains Jackson's most acclaimed work, and displayed his dancing ability at its height. 'Bad', Beat It' and 'Billie Jean' were three of the other most memorable songs from this era.

1985 saw Michael Jackson co-write 'We Are The World' with Lionel Richie, for USA For Africa, to help the starving of Ethiopia, but he also fell out with fellow music legend, ex-Beatle Paul McCartney, when he bought a raft of Lennon & McCartney compositions. Michael and Macca had had a US number one single with 'Say Say Say'.

In later years, the man famous for the moonwalk was plagued by lurid tabloid headlines about his strange behaviour and looks - and most damaging of all, having to answer charges of child molestation in court - for which he was cleared.

Few artists have, like Michael Jackson, successfully dabbled with and mixed so many forms of music - soul, funk, pop, disco, R&B, and rock. Sadly, like John Lennon, Michael Jackson's great comeback - with a ridiculously ambitious 50 live dates at London's O2 Arena - was nipped in the bud. Death was probably the only way Michael Jackson would ever find peace. His death from a heart attack on June 25th, 2009, in Los Angeles, aged only 50, sees another star fade too soon - but maybe's that's always the trade off - pain for fame.

- Paul Rance/booksmusicfilmstv.com.

Michael Jackson Solo Albums Discography Got To Be There (1972) Ben (1972) Music And Me (1973) Forever, Michael (1975) Off The Wall (1979) Thriller (1982) Bad (1987) Dangerous (1991) HIStory (1995) Invincible (2001)

Michael Jackson's Death - the Reaction

Lisa Marie Presley's Blog (stunning and beautiful at the same time. - P.R.)

Paul McCartney: "I feel privileged to have hung out and worked with Michael. He was a massively talented boy man with a gentle soul. His music will be remembered forever and my memories of our time together will be happy ones."

Quincy Jones: "I am absolutely devastated... He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever. I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Bob Geldof: "Today reminds me what he achieved for poor people of the world."

Priscilla Presley: "I'm in shock, as I know everyone must be. My heartfelt thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time."

John Landis (director of Thriller): "Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure."

Uri Geller: "I'm still trying to hold on to the glimmer that it is not true. It is too surreal for me to absorb that Michael is no longer with us."

Pink: "Michael Jackson was one of the best that ever did it."

Bruce Forsyth : "Michael was pure genius and his death is nothing short of a tragedy and a shocking waste of his wonderful talent."

Ice-T: "Rest In Peace Mike. People can say what they want but you were 100 per cent original. We will always love, miss and remember your greatness."

Brooke Shields: "My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael. He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world."

Tom Jones: "It's so sad that such a talented man has died. Maybe it was the stress of doing 50 dates."

Liza Minnelli: "He was a kind, genuine, and wonderful man. He was also one of the greatest entertainers that ever lived. I loved him very much and I will miss him every remaining day of my life."

Diana Ross: "This is too sudden and shocking. I am unable to imagine this."

Sheryl Crow: "I am grateful to have known him for the two years I worked for him and will mourn his loss with his many millions of fans across the world."

R Kelly: "I am truly saddened that my mentor, brother and friend will no longer be with us physically. Michael Jackson rest in peace and may your music and legacy forever reign on Earth!"

Madonna: "I can't stop crying over the sad news. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever!"

John Mayer: "I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to 'Thriller' on the record player."

Rev. Al Sharpton: "A friend of Michael's for the last 35 years, I call on people around the world to pray for him and his family in the hour."

Arnold Schwarzenegger: "We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans."

Miley Cyrus: "Michael Jackson was my inspiration."

Wyclef Jean: "He made me believe that all things are possible, and through real and positive music. He can live forever! I love Michael Jackson."

A statement on behalf of Elizabeth Taylor said: "Elizabeth Taylor is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time."

Stephen Fry (in his inimitable style on Twitter!): "Goodness. Michael Jackson. Poor old soul. Oh dear."