MJ: Gone too soon

He was a coloured man who found acceptance in the US much before President Obama or golf champion Tiger Woods did
Hardnews Bureau

The iconic pop star Michael Jackson died Thursday afternoon of cardiac arrest at his rented Los Angeles mansion. He was 50.

Jackson was found unconscious at his home and was rushed to a local hospital where doctors confirmed his death. He was reportedly on heavy medication as he was to perform in 50 comeback concerts in London in July. The news of his death comes as a shock to all his fans who were anxiously waiting for him to perform after a long hiatus.

There is an atmosphere of grief outside his home where a large number of fans have gathered to bid adieu to the star. Sound of his music playing in the background mixed with noises of hovering media helicopters filled the air, as mourners congregate to pay their last tributes, local news agencies reported.

The King of Pop, the last of the triumvirate of pop stars which also include Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley, remained in headlines for the major part of his life.

He left behind an intricate legacy: a coloured man who found acceptance in USA much before President Obama or golf champion Tiger Woods did. He is known to have started celebrity philanthropy after his charity single, We Are the World, raised an estimated $50 million for famine relief in Africa in 1985.

'Wacko Jacko' was known for his mysterious love for young boys and a chimp, who frequently visited him at his Neverland Ranch in California. He once accepted this in an interview when he said "It's not sexual, I tuck them in, have hot milk, give them cookies. It's very charming, it's very sweet." However, this landed him in trouble and dented his career when he was accused of molesting a child, an accusation which couldn't be proved in the court as the young boy refused to testify.

The Guinness Book of Records hailed him as the most successful entertainer of all times. His albums which include Thriller and its follow-up, Bad, totalled worldwide sales of more than 350 million records. His music and dance even inspired Hindi music directors and actors.

Reeling in huge debt, Jackson's fortunes plummeted after he was embroiled in one controversy after another. His extravagant lifestyle, his signature red jacket, single white glove and his famous moon walk will continue to fascinate his fans all over the world.