By ETonline Staff
7:20 AM PDT, June 25, 2024
On June 25, 2009, the world lost the King of Pop. Michael Jackson was 50 when he died of cardiac arrest in Los Angeles, California. In memory of the music legend, ET looks back at the decades he spent revolutionizing music.
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Comeback Plan
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The unparalleled performer addressed the crowd during a press conference on March 5, 2009. It was there that he announced a plan to do a series of comeback concerts, starting in July at the London O2 arena.
Shine On
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A sparkly Michael Jackson arrives at the 2006 World Music Awards in London.
Spin City
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Rocking a flashy gold ensemble, the hitmaker dazzles the crowd during a concert in 1997 in Germany.
Music Man
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Making an appearance in London, Michael Jackson speaks during the 2006 World Music Awards on November 16, 2006.
The Legend
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The King of Pop holds his Legend Award at the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards in Tokyo, Japan.
Suiting Up
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The legendary music icon is snapped sporting a suit on June 13, 2005.
That's Entertainment
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Donning his trademark white socks and white t-shirt, Michael Jackson pulls out one of his signature moves while entertaining the crowd.
Standing Tall
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After the tragic events of the September 11 attack, Michael, Usher and others light up the stage at the United We Stand benefit concert on Oct. 21, 2001.
'Just Good Friends'
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During the singer's big "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years" event, the glittering performer spends time with longtime friend Dame Elizabeth Taylor.
Friends Forever
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Michael and his dear friend Dame Elizabeth Taylor are snapped en route to a TV appearance on Feb. 17, 1997.
Pop Royalty
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The King of Pop performs with pop princess Britney Spears at the "Michael Jackson: 30th Anniversary Celebration, The Solo Years" concert in Madison Square Garden in NYC in 2001.
'Shamon!'
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The Dangerous one sparkles onstage in 1984.
Purple Reign
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Dressed head-to-toe in purple, Michael waves to fans during an in-store appearance at the Virgin Megastore in 2001.
'Wiz' Kid
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A 20-year-old Michael performs at London's Rainbow Theatre in 1979.
Makes Me Wanna Scream
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In one of his most memorable TV performances, Michael and Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash performed the opening number at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards. Michael and his sister Janet Jackson were nominated for 11 awards that year for their music video Scream.
Black and White
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Opting for a classic white shirt, black slacks and his iconic white socks, Michael strikes a pose during his performance at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.
Made for Dancin'
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Wearing his famous red jacket, Michael rocks out in concert during a stop in the HIStory World Tour in 1997.
Bad to the Bone
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The Bad boy grabs himself in an iconic and much copied gesture during the Tokyo leg of his Bad tour in 1987.
Living Legend
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Pop superstar Michael Jackson embraced his sister Janet after she presented him with the Grammy Legend Award at the 35th annual Grammy Awards on Feb. 24, 1993. The singer received this prestigious honor when he was just 34 years old.
In Living Color
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At the same photo shoot, the young Michael smiles wide with rest of his Jackson Five brothers in 1972.
Fab Five
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Michael Jackson (furthest to the left) is snapped with the rest of his Jackson Five brothers in 1972.
Pet Shop Boy
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Eccentric pet-lover Michael Jackson poses with his pet boa constrictor on September 15, 1987.
Remember the Time...
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A 14-year-old Michael poses at a London hotel while on tour with the Jackson 5 on November 1, 1972.
Moonwalk Madness
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The ultimate performer gets his groove on in Kansas at the start of a tour in July 1983.
Blast from the Past
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Donny Osmond and Michael Jackson shake hands, as they meet before acting as hosts of the first-ever American Music Awards in Hollywood on February 19, 1974.
Born to Be Bad
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Known for his avant-garde stage costumes, Michael sings his heart out during the Bad tour in 1987.
Tux Deluxe
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Wearing a classic tux, The Man in the Mirror singer smiles wide for the cameras in 1983.
Golden Boy
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While touring the world with his HIStory tour, the icon wows the audience with his smooth moves, and his stage theatrics on Nov. 10, 1996.
So 'Dangerous'
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Raucous entertainer Michael Jackson showed his flair for the dramatic, as he performs before an audience of over 36,000 in Taipei, Taiwan in 1993.
Fits Like a Glove
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Donning his iconic, white glove, Michael displays his star power with shades and jewels at an event in 1989.
Pucker Up
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Shocking TV audiences around the world, the always dramatic Michael has a long and drawn-out kiss with his then-wife, rock princess Lisa Marie Presley, during the MTV Video Music Awards in 1994.
'Jam' On It
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Sporting the hat, the glove and the socks, the superstar wears one of his most recognizable outfits during a performance at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards in Los Angeles.
Dream Boy
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The larger-than-life singer looks happy at the opening of Dreamgirls in 1983.