Michael Jackson bows out at 50
The tragic death of an undisputable Pop king, Michael Jackson was pronounced after paramedics found him in a coma at his Bel-Air mansion, in United Sates of America.
The pop legend was born August 29, 1958; he was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. In subsequent successful years, five of his solo studio albums are among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall, (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and History respectively (1995). The superstar bagged many awards to his superlative performance in the entertainment world.
Los Angeles Fire Department officials disclosed that paramedics responded to a 911 call from the home. When they arrived, Jackson was not breathing. The paramedics however performed CPR and took him to UCLA Medical Center in the city.
Reporters in their hundreds from different part of the world gathered at the hospital awaiting word on his condition. The source, who elected anonymity, said family members rushed to Jackson's bedside, where he was in a deep coma.
The circumstances of Jackson's death remain unclear. Law enforcement sources said that Los Angeles Police Department robbery-homicide detectives have opened an investigation into the death, though they stressed there is no evidence of criminal wrongdoing. The detectives plan to interview relatives, friends and Jackson's doctors to try to figure out what actually transpired which might likely lead to his demise.
A Los Angeles Fire Department source confirmed that Jackson was in full cardiac arrest when rescue units arrived on scene. A doctor was in the house performing CPR on him, said the source, who asked not to be named because he was not authorized to speak to the media at that material time.
Paramedics were called to a home on the 100 block of Carolwood Drive off Sunset Boulevard. Jackson rented the Bel-Air home, described as a French chateau built in 2002 with seven bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, 12 fireplaces and a theater, for $100,000 a month.
In May, it was reported that Jackson was living in a Bel-Air mansion and rehearsing for a series of 50 sold-out shows in London's O2 Arena. Jackson had won the backing of two billionaires to get him back on stage.
The concerts had been scheduled to kick off July 13 this year, but unfortunately the news of his death broke on the 25th of June 2009.
It was gathered that the London shows will seemingly serve as an audition for a career rebirth that could ultimately encompass a three-year world tour, a new album, movies, a Graceland-like museum, musical revues in Las Vegas and Macau, and even a Thriller casino. Such a rebound could wipe out Jackson's massive debt, estimated at $400 million.
Jackson needed a comeback to reverse the damage done by years of excessive spending and little work. He has not toured since 1997 or released a new album since 2001, but he has continued to live like a megastar.
To finance his flamboyant lifestyle, he borrowed heavily against his three main assets: his Neverland Ranch, his music catalog and a second catalog that includes the music of the Beatles that he co-owns with Sony Corp. By the time of his 2005 criminal trial, he was nearly $300 million in debt and, according to testimony, spending $30 million more annually than he was taking in. His health issues too were part of the major problems he was contending with, especially those that came up as a result of his cosmetic surgery.
Compounding his money difficulties were a revolving door of litigious advisors and hangers-on. Jackson has run through 11 managers since 1990, according to Frank DiLeo, his manager and friend of three decades.
Despite the entire ordeal the pop legend faced during his life time, which ostensibly brought set backs to his career, one will definitely remember him for the fame and revolution he brought to the entertainment industry, an impact that was felt throughout the world. His distinctive musical sound and vocal style (legacies) influenced many hip hop, pop and contemporary Rhythm and Blues artists, in those days and up till now.
Michael rest in perfect peace.
By : Emmanuel Ajibulu
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