Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009)

On June 25, 2009, the King of Pop's sudden farewell shocked the whole world. The Internet almost crashed due to millions of instantaneous searches regarding his life. More than one billion people watched his memorial, which was held at the Staples Center Arena on July 7, where he had been preparing to perform to sold-out crowds in London. His rehearsal footage was sold for US$60 million to Sony Pictures and was then made into a half-documentary-half-concert movie entitled, "This Is It."

Michael Jackson was one of the major western pop stars to make it big in China and he still enjoys a great number of fans here. His music entered China when China first started to open up to the world in the 1980s. Many Chinese people first started listening to western music because of him. Although he never held any concerts on Chinese soil, he accumulated many Chinese fans. No one thought a foreign pop star could get so many Chinese people together to mourn, share memories, dance and hug each other, as his fans did when "This Is It" hit the theaters. Michael Jackson serves as a universal landmark in many people's lives.

Born on August 29, 1958, he entertained the world with music starting at just 5 years old. Enjoyed by people of different backgrounds, he shaped the music industry, revolutionized dancing styles and influenced several generations of artists. Pushing racial boundaries, he was an American cultural icon that was known in every corner of the world. Unfortunately, Michael's fame also brought on controversial accusations, isolating him from many people.

The Michael Jackson saga will no doubt continue to dominate headlines, as his family and close friends all want part of his estate. His death, deemed as a homicide, is also still under investigation.

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