Looking back at Michael Jackson’s life 14 years after his death

The world seemed to stand still when news spread on the evening of June 25, 2009: superstar Michael Jackson passed away at the age of 51. He left behind a complicated legacy: an endless string of hits and a series of lawsuits. famous with accusations.
Michael Jackson left behind three young children who lived in and out of the spotlight while following their famous father on tours around the world.

Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

On the 14th anniversary of Michael Jackson’s death, let’s look back at his life through photos.

Michael Jackson’s early years

Born on August 29, 1958 in Gary, Indiana (USA), the son of Joe and Katherine Jackson, Michael Joseph Jackson – the seventh child in a family of nine children – quickly showed his talent for singing. known as the little boy.

During his days working with Jackson 5, Rolling Stone magazine praised the young singer as a prodigy with “great musical talent”.

Michael Jackson was the seventh child in a family of nine children
Michael Jackson and siblings

“Michael was a sweet boy,” Jermaine told   in 1984 of his younger brother, who joined siblings Tito, Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon in the Jackson 5 at age 6.

Jackson and brothers

Not long after, Michael became the leader of the group to great success with hits such as I Want You Back , ABC , The Love You Save and I’ll Be There .

Family life

Despite Michael’s ever-present smile in photos (like the one below from around 1970), Jackson’s family life was anything but happy. Jackson spoke out about the childhood abuse he suffered at the hands of his father in a lengthy 1993 interview with Oprah Winfrey.

In the 2003 documentary Living with Michael Jackson , the singer told interviewer Martin Bashir that during Jackson 5 rehearsals, father Joe “sat in the chair and he had the belt in his hand. If you don’t do right, he will tear you apart”.

Michael Jackson and his sister Janet

He and his sister Janet (pictured in 1972) were very close. In 2001, the two collaborated on the song accompanying the MV Scream , which earned them a Grammy nomination.

Michael and his sister Janet

“Everybody sees he’s different. There’s no doubt about it,” Janet said in 2007. “He’s my brother. I love him no matter what.”

Michael Jackson and The Jacksons

After leaving Motown Records in 1975, Jackson and his brothers changed their name from the Jackson 5 to The Jacksons, releasing six albums between 1976 and 1984.

The Jacksons

At the time, Michael was the group’s main songwriter and this period produced hits such as Can You Feel It. At the same time, the male singer also distinguished himself, pursuing solo projects such as participating in the movie The Wiz  (1978) and the famous solo album Off the Wall.

Collaboration with Diana Ross

Teaming up with longtime friend Diana Ross, Jackson celebrated the premiere of  The Wiz on October 24, 1978.

By Diana Ross

While they maintained a professional relationship – Jackson later wrote and produced Ross’s 1982 single Muscles – the two strengthened their close friendship over the years.

“Moonwalk” by Michael Jackson

It was the moment when kids everywhere were trying to walk backwards like Michael Jackson in tight pants and loafers, debuting the smooth “Moonwalk” dance. love, one of the singer’s most iconic dance moves.

The famous “Moonwalk” dance

Accompanying  “Moonwalk”, Michael Jackson performed the hit Billie Jean , making the audience scream. He later performed the song again at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards.

Won a Grammy Award

Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones raised a record of 8 Grammy awards including Album of the Year for Thriller and Record of the Year for Beat It at the 1984 ceremony.

Won a series of Grammy awards

Michael Jackson at the White House

“Well, isn’t this a horror movie?” President Ronald Reagan joked when presenting Michael Jackson with the Public Safety Commendation Award in 1984.

Met President Reagan and his wife in 1984

Jackson allowed his hit single Beat It to be used in a campaign against teen drunk driving. Jackson humbly said: “I am very, very honored. Thank you very much, Mr. President and Mrs. Reagan.”

Star on the Walk of Fame

Although inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame (the Jackson 5 received a group star in 1979), the singer received his solo star in 1984, making him one of the most influential artists in the world. two stars.

The male singer received solo star status in 1984

Diana Ross also has two stars: one as a solo artist, one with The Supremes.

We Are The World by Michael Jackson

In 1985, Jackson and Lionel Richie wrote the charity single We Are the World . The song was performed by USA for Africa, a supergroup that included Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan, Diana Ross and, of course, Richie and Jackson.

Michael and Lionel Richie

Profits go to American Charities for Africa and target famine relief in Ethiopia.

Married Lisa Marie Presley

Michael Jackson shocked the world when he married Lisa Marie Presley in the Dominican Republic in 1994.

Michael Jackson shocked the world when he married Lisa Marie Presley

“I love Michael so much, I dedicate my life to being his wife,” the bride said in a statement at the time. “I understand and support him. We both want to build a family.”

A friend of Jackson’s told   : ”Michael said he never knew if a girl would like him for himself or for his money. She doesn’t pursue you for money.”

In 1996, Lisa Marie filed for divorce from Jackson.

Change appearance

Jackson’s face changed dramatically as his skin became lighter, his nose narrower and his chin more pointed, which sparked stories about his addiction to cosmetic surgery and skin bleaching.

Michael Jackson significantly changed his appearance

Jackson admitted to having his nose done twice and his double chin corrected. He told Winfrey: “I’ve never had my cheekbones done, I’ve never had my eyes done, I’ve never had my lips done.” As for the change in skin color, Jackson blamed vitiligo, “a skin disorder that destroys skin pigment. I had to even out my skin tone,” he said.

Michael Jackson’s children

Jackson married dermatologist assistant Debbie Rowe, a longtime friend who also treated the singer for vitiligo. The couple welcomed two children, Michael Joseph Jackson Jr. (called Prince) and Paris.

Michael has 3 children

When the marriage ended in 1999, Rowe gave full custody of the children to his ex. Three years later, Jackson had another child, Prince Michael Jackson II (also known as Blanket), thanks to artificial insemination, but he never revealed the identity of the surrogate mother.

Jackson was protective of all of his children, often covering their faces when he went out.

Michael Jackson at Court

During his 2005 child molestation trial, Jackson had difficulty getting to court on time. On March 10, 2005, Judge Rodney S. Melville threatened to issue an arrest warrant if the pop star did not appear immediately.

Michael Jackson appeared in court

The defense attorney claimed Jackson had to be hospitalized for back pain, but he finally arrived in court minutes after the judge carried out his threat wearing sneakers, pajama pants, a white undershirt and a dark blue jacket.

Retreat from the spotlight

After being acquitted of child molestation charges, Jackson and his children took a long trip to Bahrain, beginning a virtual retreat from the public eye.

At the end of his life, Michael withdrew from the spotlight

In the Persian Gulf country, Jackson was said to be a distinguished guest of the king’s son. When he returned to America, he rarely appeared in public. Here, the singer walked out of the Ed Hardy and Christian Audigier stores with his children, always wearing a mask.

The last day

Despite questions about his health, when Jackson was preparing for a comeback tour in 2009, he suddenly died on June 25, 2009 at the age of 51 due to cardiac arrest at home.

Jackson was preparing for a comeback tour in 2009 when he suddenly passed away

In 2011, personal doctor Conrad Murray was convicted of manslaughter in the singer’s death. During the six-week trial, prosecutors portrayed Murray as a reckless doctor who treated Michael Jackson’s insomnia with nightly drops of propofol. This is an anesthetic that can potentially lead to death.