LOS ANGELES —
Michael Jackson, the "King of Pop" who once moonwalked above the music world, died Thursday as he prepared for a comeback bid to vanquish nightmare years of sexual scandal and financial calamity. He was 50.
Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his rented home in Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him at his home for nearly three-quarters of an hour, then rushed him to the hospital, where doctors continued to work on him.
"It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known," his brother Jermaine said. Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.
Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.
Jackson died at UCLA Medical Center after being stricken at his rented home in Holmby Hills. Paramedics tried to resuscitate him at his home for nearly three-quarters of an hour, then rushed him to the hospital, where doctors continued to work on him.
"It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known," his brother Jermaine said. Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.
Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.
STOP. That is how Media America sees this.
Now here's MY Story.
If you could be selfless would you?
If there was something that you could do for the world and not ask for one ounce of credit, what would it be?
June 25th, 2009 will be a date etched in everyone's mind.
A gift was taken from us in an untimely measure.
Michael Joseph Jackson, hopefully you will find the peace and joy you were looking for... knocking on Heaven's Door.
(let him in God, he's a good dude.)
1. The Numbness.
When I heard of MJ's passing I first didnt wanna even think about it. It didnt, couldnt, wouldnt happen and it was a sick joke.
People need to stop playing around, we just lost Farrah and Ed McMahon.
Phone call. Its true. No... its not. Hmm... nothing. No feeling. Didnt happen.
2.Defiance
Yall play too fucking much. Stop playing Michael Jackson isnt dead. 5:37 EST CNBC Pronounces that KTLA confirms that Michael Jackson has passed away due to a cardiac arrest. Nah.. cant be. Remote in hand I go to flipping the channels... All say the same. Michael Jackson dead at 50.
I still dont believe it.
3. Anger
WHO WHAT WHEN WHY AND HOW THE FUCK DID THIS HAPPEN?
Who was with Mike? WHat happened? Why did it have to happen to MJ? And of course HOW?!?!
Breathe breathe breathe... wow... now here comes..
4. Acceptance
Thinking back on the times that music was incredible, The Jackson 5 has always been at the helm of R&B. And you can agree with me about the special soul that MJ has had since childhood. Smooth in voice and flawless in step, J5 has allowed their front man (or brother) to come into our homes and make us a part of their world. From those that believed early (Diana Ross, Berry Gordy, Ed Sullivan etc etc) we salute and thank you for your vision fufilled.
5. Expression
This is where I let you know that in my heart... Michael will forever be King.
I will miss your presence and will hold your music valuable like the time that we have on our lives. You have molded and shaped a generation of people that have grown to know you as the standard in music, and your humanitarian spirit is one of a great man that has compassion and reverence.
You have raised the bar not only of music, but of being a human being.
God Bless.