Today in History: The King of Pop died; his 10 best-performing songs of all time
Jackson died in his mansion in Los Angeles after an apparent overdose of propofol.
Michael Jackson might have had his fair share of time in the spotlight for reasons other than his music, but he will forever be remembered for the way he revolutionised the music industry and became the King of Pop.
Jackson released his first solo album, Got to Be There, in 1972, while continuing to sing with his brothers as part of The Jackson 5. Six years later in 1978, he made his big-screen debut as the Scarecrow in The Wiz, an adaptation of the Broadway musical of the same name. Directed by Quincy Jones, the film starred an all-black cast that included singer Diana Ross as Dorothy.
Jones again collaborated with Jackson on his 1979 album Off the Wall, which sold some 7 million copies worldwide. The pair teamed up once more for Jackson’s iconic 1982 album, Thriller, which went on to sell 50 million copies around the globe, making it the best-selling studio album of all time at the time.
In 1983, Jackson created a massive sensation on a live Motown anniversary TV special when he performed his now-signature Moonwalk dance while wearing a black fedora and a single white glove covered with rhinestones.
Jackson’s next solo effort, Bad, debuted in 1987, selling 8 million copies and featured a music video from acclaimed movie director Martin Scorsese.
By the 1990s, Jackson’s life was near-constant tabloid fodder. In 1993, he was accused of molesting a 13-year-old boy who had been a sleepover guest at his home. Jackson denied the allegations and the criminal investigation was dropped; however, the singer later settled a civil lawsuit with the boy’s family for a reported $20 million.
On 25 June 2009, Jackson, who after a lengthy time away from the public spotlight was preparing for a series of summer concerts in London, was found unconscious in his Los Angeles mansion. The Los Angeles coroner’s officer later ruled the pop star’s death a homicide after lethal levels of the powerful sedative, propofol, as well other drugs, were found in his system. Jackson’s personal physician, who was at the singer’s home when he died, had been giving him propofol as a sleep aid for a period of some weeks.
In honour of the King of Pop’s legacy, we have compiled a list of his 10 best-performing songs of all time on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.
10. The Girl Is Mine — Michael Jackson and Paul McCartney
9. ABC — The Jackson 5
8. I Want You Back — The Jackson 5
7. Man In The Mirror — Michael Jackson
6. Dancing Machine — The Jackson 5
5. Rock With You — Michael Jackson
4. Beat It — Michael Jackson
3. I’ll Be There — The Jackson 5
2. Billie Jean — Michael Jackson
1. Say Say Say — Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson
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