This choice probably comes as no surprise as MJ (as he has suddenly become known) was a major pop culture icon and had been for the better part of four decades. But the last decade of his life found his fame completely unfocused on his talent and more on his private life (for obvious reasons).

Born August 29, 1958, Michael Joseph Jackson was the seventh Jackson child. At the young age of ten Michael made his professional music debut as a part of his family’s music group, The Jackson 5. Three short years later he broke out and started his own solo career. In 1982 he released Thriller, the album that propelled him into the title “King of Pop”. Thriller has the honor of being the world’s best-selling album of all time.

Jackson, despite his personal troubles, was a humanitarian and artist who’s every move caused a ripple-effect throughout the world. He will be greatly missed.

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