Jackson 5 Juggernaut
Little Michael's huge voice leads the funky family band (Tito, Marlon, Jackie and Jermaine) during a 1969 TV performance. "Want You Back" wasn't just one of their biggest hits, now it's also how we all feel about Michael.
Material Girl & Magnificent Michael
The pop icons brought a jolt of electricity and gallons of glam to the 1991 Oscars afterparty at Spago.
Superstar Siblings
Michael and sister Janet bask in the Grammy glow backstage at awards show in 1993. Over the years, Michael won a total of 13 Grammys, while Janet earned 5.
World Icon
Giving his all onstage was a given for the charismatic star, seen here rocking the World Music Awards in 2006 at Earls Court in London.
The Comeback
In March 2009, the singer announced he was launching a massive concert undertaking: a two-month residency at London's O2 Arena. But the triumphant announcement led to lawsuits about whether this conflicted with a planned Jackson Family reunion tour. In the end, it was not to be.
The ABCs of Stardom
Even as a child performing with his brothers in the Jackson 5, Michael demonstrated a rare gift as a singer, dancer and all-round entertainer.
Family Affair
Seen here with his brothers in 1978, Michael would step out on his own the following year with his Off the Wall album.
Making It Big
His 1982 album, Thriller, is said to be the top-selling album—more than 100 million copies!—of all time.
The "Thriller" Video
Maybe the most memorable music video ever made, the John Landis horror dance-a-thon combined Jackson's love of music and movies—and even inspired a group of convicts in the Philippines to learn all the steps.
Famous Faces
The pop star and the young Blue Lagoon star stepped out on the town in the 1980s.
Victory!
The singer reunited with his brothers for a huge concert tour in 1984.
Neverland Ranch
The singer's Santa Ynez Valley compound, which he purchased in 1988, lived up to its Peter Pan-inspired name by boasting live animals, a carousel, a Ferris wheel and more.
Motown Mates
Jackson had friendships with many famous women, but his first may have been his one-time labelmate and Wiz costar, the Supremes' Diana Ross.
The President and the King
In 1984, President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy presented the singer with an award for his work on an anti-drunken-driving campaign.
Madonna and Child-Man
Seen here at an afterparty for the 1991 Academy Awards, these two powerful pop stars were at the height of their fame.
A Match Made in Music Heaven
Two iconic families united when the King of Pop wedded the daughter of the King of Rock 'n' Roll, Lisa Marie Presley—and sealed the union with a very public kiss at the 1994 MTV Video Music awards. Alas, the marriage didn't take.
Lifelong Friends
Two icons, one friendship: This megafamous pair understood the world of celebrity in ways most people could not. Elizabeth Taylor was "devastated" by his death.
Married Again
Jackson surprised many when he wed Debbie Rowe, a woman who had worked in his dermatologist's office. The couple had two children together before divorcing in 1999.
A Father
When the megastar stepped out with his children, he was sure to keep them covered up.
On Stage
At the height of his fame, Jackson was one of the most dynamic performers the world has ever seen.
Mac and Mike
Famously friends with Macaulay Culkin when the tyke was starring in the Home Alone films, Jackson and his pal were still in contact in 2001 at Madison Square Garden.
Times Square Tumult
Looking to reassert his position at the top of the pop heap, Jackson promoted his Invincible album in New York City in 2001.
The Tops of the Pop World
Jackson and Britney Spears met up at the MTV Video Music Awards in 2002.
Testifying
During a 2002 trial regarding some canceled concert dates, Michael gave his side of the story.