Michael Jackson 1958 - 2009

Thursday June 25, 2009 Singer Michael Jackson, a child Motown sensation who grew into a moonwalking megastar, died in Los Angeles today, a county coroner said. Jackson, 50, had been rushed to UCLA Medical Center in Los Angeles around 3:30 p.m. Eastern time. His death was confirmed by Assistant Chief Ed Winter of the Los Angeles County Coroner's Office. In a career spanning four decades, the entertainer sold millions of records, earning worldwide adoration in the 1980s. Later he came to be regarded as one of show business's legendary oddities, hopping from one public relations crisis to another. Authorities were closing down the streets around UCLA and the hospital and were expected to make an announcement shortly. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Quincy Jones, the composer who often collaborated on projects with Jackson, said he was devastated. "I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him," Jones said. As news spread, a large crowd gathered outside the hospital awaiting word on the performer who had sold 750 million albums, was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received 14 Grammy Awards, including one for lifetime achievement. People snapped photos and called friends. Here are some photos of Michael Jackson from 2005
ALL PHOTOS © 2009 MICHAEL GERMANA / SUPERSTAR IMAGES ALL RIGHTS RESERVED NO REPRODUCTION