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Michael Jackson Dead at 50
The LA Times reports pop star wasn’t breathing when ambulance arrived.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Michael Jackson has died at age 50 after being rushed to UCLA Medical Center.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda told the newspaper that Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home and CPR was performed.
TMZ.com reported that he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
Jackson had been due to start a series of comeback concerts in London on July 13 running until March 2010. The singer, whose hits included “Thriller” and “Billie Jean,” had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the past two months.
The shows for the 50 London concerts sold out within minutes of going on sale in March.
His lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, which, added to the 13 Grammy Awards he received, makes him one of the most successful entertainers of all time.
He lived as a virtual recluse since his acquittal in 2005 on charges of child molestation.
There were concerns about Jackson’s health in recent years but the promoters of the London shows, AEG Live, said in March that Jackson had passed a 4-1/2 hour physical examination with independent doctors.
A life in music
Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the seventh of nine children. Five Jackson boys — Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael — first performed together at a talent show when Michael was 6. They walked off with first prize and went on to become a best-selling band, The Jackson Five, and then The Jackson 5.
Jackson made his first solo album in 1972, and released “Thriller” in 1982, which became a smash hit that yielded seven top-10 singles. The album sold 21 million copies in the United States and at least 27 million worldwide.
The next year, he unveiled his signature “moonwalk” dance move while performing “Billie Jean” during an NBC special.
In 1994, Jackson married Elvis Presley’s only child, Lisa Marie, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1996. Jackson married Debbie Rowe the same year and had two children, before splitting in 1999. The couple never lived together.
Jackson has three children named Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II, known for his brief public appearance when his father held him over the railing of a hotel balcony, causing widespread criticism.
The Los Angeles Times reports that Michael Jackson has died at age 50 after being rushed to UCLA Medical Center.
Los Angeles Fire Department Capt. Steve Ruda told the newspaper that Jackson was not breathing when paramedics arrived at his home and CPR was performed.
TMZ.com reported that he may have suffered cardiac arrest.
Jackson had been due to start a series of comeback concerts in London on July 13 running until March 2010. The singer, whose hits included “Thriller” and “Billie Jean,” had been rehearsing in the Los Angeles area for the past two months.
The shows for the 50 London concerts sold out within minutes of going on sale in March.
His lifetime record sales tally is believed to be around 750 million, which, added to the 13 Grammy Awards he received, makes him one of the most successful entertainers of all time.
He lived as a virtual recluse since his acquittal in 2005 on charges of child molestation.
There were concerns about Jackson’s health in recent years but the promoters of the London shows, AEG Live, said in March that Jackson had passed a 4-1/2 hour physical examination with independent doctors.
A life in music
Jackson was born on August 29, 1958, in Gary, Indiana, the seventh of nine children. Five Jackson boys — Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Michael — first performed together at a talent show when Michael was 6. They walked off with first prize and went on to become a best-selling band, The Jackson Five, and then The Jackson 5.
Jackson made his first solo album in 1972, and released “Thriller” in 1982, which became a smash hit that yielded seven top-10 singles. The album sold 21 million copies in the United States and at least 27 million worldwide.
The next year, he unveiled his signature “moonwalk” dance move while performing “Billie Jean” during an NBC special.
In 1994, Jackson married Elvis Presley’s only child, Lisa Marie, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1996. Jackson married Debbie Rowe the same year and had two children, before splitting in 1999. The couple never lived together.
Jackson has three children named Prince Michael I, Paris Michael and Prince Michael II, known for his brief public appearance when his father held him over the railing of a hotel balcony, causing widespread criticism.
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Fireyladd - Retired Chief Sharp on
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Sad, but what does this have to do with Firefighting and what we do?
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Permalink Reply by Kirk D. Baughman on
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very sad to hear about his death. hope his family is doing ok. michael was on top of the world with his music when i was growing up. we have some of his songs that we listen to.
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Permalink Reply by Mick Shelley on
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I agree with the Chief, What dose this have to do with Firefighting................
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Permalink Reply by Justyn Boling on
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took the words out of my mouth chief
the worlds little boys will be a bit safer now
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Permalink Reply by lutan1 on
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Farah Fawcett's final wish upon entering heaven was to protect all of the world's children.
I guess she got her final wish....
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Permalink Reply by Devil Doc on
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Sorry everybody. My computer froze when I posted this and I didnt realize it was posted in the wrong place until just now. My bad.
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There's literally 100's of these floating around now- I won't post any mroe as some would probably see me removed from the site! Needless to say, soem of them are absolute classics... :-)
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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on
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I heard he was going to make an appearance later that day at the local JC Penney because he heard that little boys' pants were half off! Lord I appologize....
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Permalink Reply by Jake McDonald on
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due to the fact that Michael jackson was 99% plactic, he will be melted down into Lego blocks, so little kids can play with him for a change.
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Permalink Reply by Mike Schlags (Captain Busy) Retd on
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I see where this thread is going... Please allow me to throw some perspective here and tie this post back into the world of the FFN and firefighting.
I have had the unique opportunity to have Neverland Valley Ranch in my backyard and once upon a time in my first in district. In fact, when a hispanic worker used paint varnish and steel wool on the wood floors for refinishing and one of his swipes included a floor plug, that started Michael Jackson's personal office on fire, I was there. In fact, after the fire, the Neverland FD Captain gave mine crew and other engine companies a complete tour of the ranch.
I heard rumors too. Only mine were from eye witnesses who worked at the ranch and was there when Michael sometimes visited. Not the paparazzi / National Enquirer sources but from other firefighters and security folks who worked full time at the ranch. Guess what? No one ever witnessed anything close to child molestation or inappropriate behavior on the part of Michael.
Did you hear the rumor about Michael having a bed installed in his movie theatre. It was true and used by many terminally ill or significantly handicapped / compromised children so they could watch the movies in a real movie theatre. Michael was witnessed on more than one occasion hand feeding popcorns to some of these kids. There parents were put up in one of two town houses across the driveway from Michael's main house.
It was not uncommon to have underprivileged kids, burn camps, terminally ill cancer patients and others less fortunate enjoying a very special place that Michael put together. It's all gone now but while it lasted, Michael brought a lot of happiness to a lot of children and families. Michael was very gracious with his money and fame.
Don't get me wrong here. The guy had some serious issues and never lived a normal life. He was very trusting and listened to advise from folks who didn't really have what was best for him on their agenda. I saw first hand and experienced this guys selflessness and generosity towards those who needed help.
Out of this respect for this individual, I think it more appropriate to remember that if you don't have anything nice to say, then don't say anything at all. Don't believe everything you have read in the papers and on hear on TV. There is always two-sides of the story. I choose to look for the good in people, not the bad.
TCSS, CB
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