Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana to Katherine and Joe Jackson. He is the third youngest of 9 children. His music career has spanned four decades. Although Michael Jackson started his music career in 1964, he debuted as part of the Jackson 5 in 1968 and then in 1971 became a solo artist.

Known as the “king of pop”, Michael Jackson was a major influence in pop music and culture. He was one of few artists inducted in the rock and roll hall of fame and broke numerous Guiness book of world records, including “Most Successful Entertainer of All Time”. He won 13 Grammy awards, had 13 number one singles and sold over 750 million records. His 1982 album “Thriller” not only catapulted him to superstardom, it also was the best selling album of all time.

Michael Jackson was also a humanitarian, especially sensitive to children’s causes. He donated millions of dollars to 39 charities he was supporting plus raised and gave more through his Heal The World Foundation. His Neverland Ranch for many years opened its gates to underprivileged and terminally ill children.

Michael Jackson died suddenly on June 25, 2009 when he went into cardiac arrest. He was 50 years old and was about to embark on a comeback tour in London to sold-out concerts. He is survived by his three children: Prince, Paris and Blanket.