Michael Jackson, one of the most innovative singer-songwriters of his era, was a global artist who left his mark on pop by building bridges between black and white music.
Michael Jackson, one of the most innovative singer-songwriters of his era, was a global artist who left his mark on pop by building bridges between black and white music.
"The world has lost a genius and a true ambassador of not only pop music, but of all music," singer Justin Timberlake said as the icon's death aged 50, unleashed a torrent of tributes from fellow artists, from Madonna to Beyonce.
King Of Pop Icon Is No More
Michael Jackson died after suffering a cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves sweeping across the world.
Michael Jackson died after suffering a cardiac arrest, sending shockwaves sweeping across the world.
This alchemy of black and white was behind his breakthrough album as a composer and co-producer, "Thriller," which pulled in performances from Paul McCartney or hard rocker Eddie Van Halen.
The 1982 album became the top-selling record of all time, with sales exceeding 41 million, coining a unique new sound and dazzling dance moves that influenced a generation of artists worldwide.
Twitter Sheds E-tears for Michael Jackson
The Internet was flooded with electronic tears for Michael Jackson, with micro-blogging site Twitter notching up hundreds of tributes every minute including many from fellow celebrities.
The Internet was flooded with electronic tears for Michael Jackson, with micro-blogging site Twitter notching up hundreds of tributes every minute including many from fellow celebrities.
"Up until 'Thriller', MTV did not play 'black' music," said the DJ Bob Sinclar. "Michael Jackson brought black music into the mainstream, with a bang."
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Fans Mourn The Loss of Music Legend
Tears flowed outside a hospital as hundreds of Michael Jackson fans gathered to mourn the loss of the music legend, stunned by his sudden death at the age of 50.
Tears flowed outside a hospital as hundreds of Michael Jackson fans gathered to mourn the loss of the music legend, stunned by his sudden death at the age of 50.
"Elvis was a white man who wanted to be black, and Michael was kind of the reverse. All great American musicians are ones that made the link between black and white music, and Michael was obsessed with that colour change, both physically and musically."
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After Jackson Death, US Agency Renews Warnings On Drug Abuse
Amid questions about the possible role of drugs in Michael Jackson's demise, the US Drug Enforcement Administration Friday renewed concerns about rising deaths from misuse of prescription pills.
Amid questions about the possible role of drugs in Michael Jackson's demise, the US Drug Enforcement Administration Friday renewed concerns about rising deaths from misuse of prescription pills.
Jackson's close friend Liza Minnelli hailed him as a "genius talent, who revolutionised show business".
His career also mirrored the rise of the big major record companies, selling a total of 750 million records. His death comes as the industry is shaken on its foundations by the advent of the Internet.
Tommy Mottola, the former head of Sony Music who released Jackson's records for 16 years, said the singer had a place in the pantheon of American music.
"In pop history, there's a triumvirate of pop icons: Sinatra, Elvis and Michael, that define the whole culture," he told the Los Angeles Times.
"His music bridged races and ages and absolutely defined the video age. Nothing that came before him or that has come after him will ever be as big as he was."
Source-AFP
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