Music Blogs

As we mourn the loss of Michael Jackson, the undeniable King of Pop, who succumbed to cardiac arrest Thursday, we take a look back at some of top news making moments in his life.

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.