Michael Jackson, 50, is dead

by **aanchal** 26/6/2009, 11:42 am

Pop star Michael Jackson died at 50 in his Bel-Air, California house, US media reported on Friday.

Michael Jackson, 50, is dead 26-06Michael-Jackson

One
of the world's biggest-ever music stars, who sold 75 crore albums,
Jackson was on the verge of a comeback tour. Doctors who attended to
him found him in a state of cardiac arrest. They took him to hospital
where he was declared dead. Jackson has a large family from whom he is
estranged. His lowest moment came in 2004 when he was accused of
molesting a boy who was later a cancer patient.

Click here: Pay Condolences to Michael Jackson

One of the richest men in entertainment at one point, Jackson almost
went bankrupt in recent years as his career collapsed, though his
bizarre lifestyle continued. He was forced to sell his huge farmhouse,
called Neverland, in which he had theme parks and rides where he
entertained children.

Jackson rented the Bel-Air home - with seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and a theater - for Rs 48 lakh a month.

He owns half of the Beatles' song catalog (the other half is owned by
Sony) and that has been his main source of revenue in recent years. But
because of his extravagance, the star was in debt of Rs 1800 crore and
had been hoping to pay off some of it with his comeback.

Jackson had been rehearsing for a series of 50 shows in London's O2
arena, which were due to begin on July 13. The shows were sold out,
showing that he retained some of his popularity through over a decade
of no releases, and allegations of pedophilia.

Jackson has three children - sons Prince Michael 7, and Michael Joseph
Jackson Jr., 12, and daughter Paris Michael Katherine, 11. At one point
he was married to Elvis Presley's daughter Lisa Marie, but he has not
been associated with women.

People who were rehearsing with Jackson for the shows said he looked
frail but working hard at his dancing. Jackson was a gifted dancer and
invented many moves popular in the 80s, including the Moon Walk.

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger issued a statement praising
Jackson. "Today, the world has lost one of the most influential and
iconic figures in the music industry. From his performances with the
Jackson 5, to the premiere of the 'moonwalk' and 'Thriller,' Michael
was a pop phenomenon who never stopped pushing the envelope of
creativity," the governor said. "Though there were serious questions
about his personal life, Michael was undoubtedly a great entertainer,
and his popularity spanned generations and the globe."