VIDEO: Remembering Michael Jackson

The late King of Pop, Michael Jackson who died in 2009, would have turned 55 today - we look at his top ten moments.

 

Michael Joseph Jackson was born in Gary, Indiana on the 29th of August, 1958.

 

We take a look at his music career, which includes 13 Grammy Awards, two inductions into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and sales upwards of 400 million records.

 

Dubbed the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson started his career as a child, when he performed as the lead singer of the Jackson family's popular Motown group.

 

 

Jackson went on to become one of the most internationally famous award-winning solo pop sensations to date. Jackson's 2009 death stirred controversy and was ultimately ruled a homicide. 

 

Dr. Conrad Murray, who had been caring for the pop star at the time of his death, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter on November 7, 2011, later receiving a four-year prison sentence.

 

 

Let's look at the top 10 Michael Jackson moments.

 

10) Michael Extends A Hand

 

Michael teamed with fellow pop star Lionel Richie to write the song "We Are The World," an All-Star benefit that included dozens of noted artists: Diana Ross, Willie Nelson, Bruce Springsteen, Bette Middler and Cyndi Lauper. The Quincy Jones produced song benefited United Support Of Artists For Africa and sold 800,000 copies.

 

9) Michael Amuses Himself

 

 

Since Michael's hectic professional work schedule prevented him from having a normal childhood, it is not surprising the he would eventually build his own personal amusement park. Michael opened the Neverland Ranch in 1988 on the lot of his estate in California's San Ynez Valley. The 2,800 acre attraction was both a zoo and theme park featuring a Ferris wheel, children's roller coaster, merry-go-round and exotic animals. Neverland was once valued at $120 million and is now in foreclosure proceedings as Michael's financial strains prompted him to relocate.

 

8) Michael Makes A "Thriller"

 

 

Michael recorded arguably the most popular music video to date. The video for Thriller's title track was shot like a scary film intermixed with dance sequences.

 

7) Michael Real Life Transformer

 

 

While Michael has never spoken candidly to the media about his alleged multiple plastic surgeries, the drastic changes to his facial features over the years have lead the public to draw its own conclusions.

 

6) Michael: "The Kid Is My Son"

 

Years before having a child, Michael sang the song "Billie Jean" which told the story of a man on the heels of a paternity suit. Michael's lyric notes, "the kid is not my son." On February 13, 1997, some 15 years later, Michael experiences parenthood, becoming the first time father to Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr.

 

5) Michael Too Hot For TV

 

 

Michael's hair catches on fire during the taping of a Pepsi commercial featuring pyrotechnics. Michael experiences third degree burns on his scalp.

 

4) Michael Accused Of Molestation

 

 

Michael is charged with molesting Jordan Chandler, the 13-year-old son of former Beverly Hills dentist Evan Chandler. Michael denied the charges and settled out of court for an estimated $18 to $20 million.

 

3) Michael Faced Additional Molestation Charges

 

 

In April 2004, 10 years after the first set of charges, Michael again is accused of molesting a young boy. This time, Michael fought the case on trial and was found not guilty.

 

2) Michael Scores Best Seller

 

Michael's sixth studio album Thriller has sold an estimated 42 - 108 million copies worldwide. The album was the first record to include more than four No. 1 hits. Thriller actually contained seven No. 1 hits and earned seven Grammys at the 1984 award show.

 

1) Michael Lands On The Moon

 

 

Michael introduced his Moonwalking dance move on the TV special Motown 25: Today, Yesterday, Forever.

 

Source: YahooNews and ABCNews