[[File:Thriller_(Michael_Jackson)wikimedia.jpg|right|Michael Joseph Jackson]]
'''Michael Joseph Jackson''' (August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009) was a world-famous pop icon and entertainer who is often referred to as the "King of Pop". He started off in with his brothers in the musical group sensation [[The Jackson Five]] in the 1970s and continued to have a hugely successful career in the 1980s and 1990s. He has released some of the best selling albums of all time including ''Off the Wall'' (1979), ''Thriller'' (1982), ''Bad'' (1987) and ''Dangerous'' (1991) and HIStory (1995). ''Thriller'' itself is the best selling album of all time worldwide with sales of 260 million copies. Michael Jackson was a [[Christian]] [[Humanism|humanist]], not having political positions, although he criticized [[communism]] in the song ''Stranger in Moscow''.
==Early life==
==Death==
Michael Jackson died June 25, 2009 in [[Los Angeles]], [[California]] by cause of heart failure which was brought on by long-term abuse of prescription medications. His death was hastened by the misapplication of a powerful anesthetic by his doctor who went on to face manslaughter charges. He died several days before he was supposed to go back on tour for his ''This is It!'' series of concerts in [[London]]. He died with nearly $500 million in debts.<ref>[http://www.reuters.com/article/newsOne/idUSTRE55P0Q520090626 Michael Jackson leaves hefty debts] Reuters, June 26, 2009</ref>
==Religion==
In his youth, Michael Jackson belonged to [[Jehovah's Witnesses]]. He became a [[Islam|Muslim]].
==References==
[[Category:Hollywood Values]]
[[Category:Best Selling Authors]]
[[Category:Christian SingersLiberals]]
[[Category:Moderates]]