by James Ziebarth
Gary, Indiana, would change forever on August 29, 1958. That is the day that Michael Jackson made his debut. Michael was born into music. His dad, Joseph Walter Jackson performed with The Falcons, an Rhythm & Blues band. His mother, Katherine Esther Scruse was a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness. Although he had limited success, Joseph would find fame and wealth on the backs of his children.
Joseph saw his chance for celebrity through his children. He started a group with Michael’s older brothers. In 1964, Michael Jackson joined the performing team as a backup vocals and performer. He would quickly be promoted to lead singer. After his promotion, the band was dubbed The Jackson Five.
Michael Jackson was not destined to be in a band. Even though the Jackson Five found fame, he was destined to be a solo performer. In the late 1970s, Michael struck out on his own. By 1982, Michael Jackson was releasing his second solo album. Thriller became the most successful album of all times. Thriller stayed on Billboards top 200 for 80 consecutive weeks. RIAA certified Thriller for 28 million shipments, earning Thriller Double Diamond status. Worldwide, Thriller sold between 47 million and 109 million copies.
Being just another performer is not what Michael had in mind. He would also become an author in 1988 adding the title of writer to his identity. Moon Walk, his autobiography, would take nearly four years to complete and would sell over 200,000 copies.
Jacko’s fame made him a very rich man. Between 1984 and 1985, he purchased the collection to the Beatles music for $47.5 million. This year was not without its challenges. While filming a Pepsi commercial, his scalp was burned.
In 1993, Jackson’s first case of accused child sexual abuse surfaced. The accusers were a 13 year old boy names Jordan Chandler and his father, Evan Chandler. On January, 1, 1994, Jackson would settle with the Chandler’s out of court for $22 million. Jackson was never charged in this case due to lack of evidence by the state.
Jacko began the Neverland Ranch in 1988. Near Santa Ynez, California, he purchased real estate. He then spent a total of $17 million to install a Ferris wheel, movie theatre, and zoo. Michael Jackson also proved that he was very concerned with security by hiring 40 security officers. Talk about appreciation, a 2003 appraisal estimated the value at $100 million.
Entering his second marriage in 1996, Jacko would marry his dermatology nurse, Debbie Rowe, on November 14. Together they would have two children. Michael Joseph Jackson, now known as Prince Michael Jackson, would be the first born. Their second born would be their daughter, Paris Katherine Michael Jackson. Just 3 years later the marriage would end, but the split couple would still continue to be friends, with Debbie Rowe granting full custody of both children to Michael.
In 2002, Jacko’s third child would be born. Prince Michael Jackson II. The mother’s identity was never released by Jackson, but he would say that the child was the result of an artificial insemination from a surrogate mother and his own sperm cells.
In 2003, Jacko would once again be accused of child molestation. He would officialy be charged with 7 counts of molestation and two counts of administering an intoxicating agent to a minor. The minor in this case would turn out to be 13 year old Gavin Arvizo. Once again Jackson would deny all charges.
The People vs. Jackson would begin on January 31, 2005, in Santa Maria, California, and would last five months. Jackson would eventually be acquitted on all counts.
Right before his death in 2009, Michael Jackson was to be in the spotlight once again. He was scheduled to perform at London’s O2 arena, starring in 50 sold out concerts. They were to begin July 13, 2009, with the last concert scheduled to be on March 6, 2010. The ticket sales, according to Jackson’s website, broke numerous records.
Jacko collapsed at his mansion in LA. Attempts to revive him were unsuccessful. LA Paramedics received a call at 12:22 p.m (PDT). They arrived three minutes later at Jacko’s residence. sources on the scene stated Jackson was not breathing. CPR would continue for an hour while en route to a local Los Angeles hospital, where Jackson would be pronounced dead at 2:26 p.m. local time.
His memorial would be held on July7, 2009, at the Staples Center in Los Angles. His casket was present at the memorial, which was broadcast live all around the world and watched by up to one billion people, but no information would be released about the final resting place of Michael Jackson’s body. RIP Michael “King of Pop” Jackson.