The Chicago Defender has confirmed with the Los Angeles County coroner’s office that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died. He was 50.
The Chicago Defender has confirmed with the Los Angeles County coroner’s office that Michael Jackson, the King of Pop, has died. He was 50.
In the early afternoon on Thursday, paramedics were called to the suburban Los Angeles home he was renting and Jackson was taken to the UCLA Medical Center hospital in full cardiac arrest, Lt. Fred Corral of the LA County coroner’s investigation team told the Defender.
He was pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. An autopsy is expected to be performed on the superstar performer Friday or Saturday, Corral said.
Michael Jackson came on the music seen as a young boy, performing with his four brothers as the Jackson 5 and taking the music industry by storm, with several number one hits. His star continued to rise over the years and catapulted to icon status by the time he recorded “Thriller” in 1987, which became the top-selling album of all time.
Over the years, Jackson was dogged by accusations of molestation and outright weirdness. Though his musical genius was never in question, there were those who called the singing icon a pedophile and remarked about the transformation of his physical features since his days as a Motown showstopper.
In 2005, he was acquitted in a child molestation trial.
In addition to his musical greatness, Jackson was known as a generous philanthropist.
In 1985, he assembled some of the biggest stars in the industry at that time and made the “We Are the World” song, which raised money for famine on the continent of Africa.
There were few places in the world Jackson and his music was not recognized. And there are not many recording artists and pop dancers who deny the influence of Michael Jackson on their music or even performing style.
He had a natural penchant for creating music that was widely accepted and could be played and listened to across cultures and that transcended race.
“Billy Jean.” “Beat It.” “Bad.” “Thriller.” “Black or White.” “Man In The Mirror.” “Pretty Young Thing.” “Human Nature.” “The Girl Is Mine”—to name a few.
Jackson had over a dozen Grammy awards and just as many hit solo singles.
The moonwalk dance and single, glitter glove came to be his signature in the industry.
But he was not one to lend himself to the media. As confident and bold as he was performing on stage, Jackson was reportedly an incredibly private and introverted man.
Still, in December 2007, Ebony magazine honored the 25th anniversary of Jackson’s “Thriller” album and was offered a rare interview with the father of three.
Linda Johnson-Rice, head of Johnson Publishing Company, which publishes Ebony and Jet magazines, issued a statement Thursday on Jackson’s death.
“I am deeply saddened by the news of one of the world’s greatest and most influential entertainers, Michael Jackson. He was unquestionably an incredible and unique talent for the world to enjoy. I, along with my mother and father, John H. and Eunice Johnson, were extremely fortunate to have a great relationship with the Jackson family.
My father, founder of Ebony and Jet magazines, served as one of his closest advisers and friends. Michael, along with his brothers and sisters, would often visit our company headquarters in Chicago. We always had a fabulous time together, and I will always cherish those memories.
Our exclusive December Ebony 2007 issue was dedicated to his highly anticipated return to the spotlight, with the celebration of his 25th anniversary of the industry-influencing album Thriller.
In our hearts he will always be The King of Pop, and I will personally miss him.”
And even outside the music industry, Jackson’s talent was unquestionable.
The Chicago Urban League’s Cheryle Jackson was compelled to publicly comment on Jackson’s death.
“The Chicago Urban League pauses to honor Michael Jackson, a music icon who, through his God-given talent, entertained the world, broke down racial and cultural barriers, and set records in the music industry that may never be surpassed.”
“Michael Jackson’s career spanned over four decades and filled the world with music that appealed to many generations. Though we are saddened by his sudden death, we are grateful for the musical legacy he has left us. Throughout the highs and lows of his spectacular career, Michael Jackson challenged us to look beyond race, gender and religion to see people as equals.
“The impact of his life, legend and music on generations is so profound, that you will always remember where you were and what you were doing on the day you received the news that Michael Jackson died.”
“Our deepest sympathy and prayers go to the Jackson family, his children and his relatives,” the Chicago Urban League CEO said in a written statement.
Jackson hails from a family musical dynasty. He is survived by his three children, Prince Michael Joseph Jackson, Paris Katherine Jackson and Prince Michael Jackson III; mother, Katherine; father, Joseph; Sisters Reebie, LaToya and Janet; and brothers Tito, Randy, Jermaine, Marlon and Jackie.
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AP Photo/Michael A. Mariant
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