Feature: Michael Jackson, 1958 – 2009

From childhood super-stardom to a controversial and rumor-ridden adulthood, Michael Jackson has been an object of seemingly endless public fascination. From the musical genius of "Thriller" and its role in the MTV video revolution to the startling physical changes wrought by too much plastic surgery -- from the gifted young boy who charmed audiences to the childlike man who stood trial for child molestation -- Jackson's life has unfolded in strange ways.

Michael Jackson's career began with a string of hits with his brothers in The Jackson 5 for the legendary Motown label and grew even brighter when he went solo. Thriller became the greatest selling album of all times with hits like "Billie Jean," "Beat It," and the title track. All three songs had videos that helped launch MTV. Jackson's solo career never reached that height again but "Bad" and "Dangerous" were both major successes, each with a string of hit singles.

Jackson's place in pop music is secure. His place in pop culture is subject to much discussion and Blogcritics writers have opinions about all of it, from the infamous trial to the descending arc of his musical career and finally his premature death and the questions surrounding its cause. Join us as we trace the path of Jackson's brightly burning star.

Columnists

Articles in this feature

Subscribe to feature RSS

• Book Review: The Michael Jackson Tapes by Rabbi Shmuley Boteach

  Intimate interviews with Michael Jackson offer insight as to what went wrong and how we can change it.

  Review by Sahar — on Nov 10, 2009

• Movie Review: This Is It

  This Is It is an amazing tribute to the artistic genius that was Michael Jackson.

  Review by Sahar — on Oct 30, 2009

• Movie Review: Michael Jackson's This Is It

  This 112-minute film captures Jackson’s musical passions and artistic drive for perfection.

  Review by Tall Writer — on Oct 28, 2009

• Twisted Timing

  Michael Jackson’s funeral more than two months after his death is more than anti-climactic; it’s creepy.

  Opinion by Jeanne Browne — on Sep 06, 2009

• Why Did It Take 10 Weeks to Bury Michael Jackson?

  Michael Jackson's evening funeral.

  Opinion by Julie Marie Totsch — on Sep 04, 2009

• Michael, Farrah, and Ed

  With three of our influential celebrities deceased, our popular culture takes a step back.

  News by Sarah Estime — on Aug 12, 2009

• Creativity and the Creator: Keeping It Real While Keeping the Spirit

  Islam, entertainment, and pop culture - topics of heated debate in and out of the Islamic community, and in the blogosphere.

  Opinion by Mikael — on Aug 02, 2009

• Art Review (NYC): Jonny Fenix at Leo Kesting Gallery

  The art that we deserve: Fenix's "Michael's Jacksons" and more.

  Review by Pat Padua — on Jul 09, 2009

• Michael Jackson Memorial Service Recap: To Care or Not to Care?

  Now go back to work...

  Opinion by Josh Hathaway — on Jul 08, 2009

• Michael Jackson and the Cadillac Brougham of Caskets

  Heaven or hell, nirvana or oblivion, there's no question that Michael Jackson is going there in style.

  Opinion by Dave Nalle — on Jul 08, 2009

• Meta-Grief and the Celebrity Mourner

  I come not to praise the common man but to bury the celebrity.

  Opinion by Pat Padua — on Jul 08, 2009

• Michael Jackson: What's Wrong With The Stories We're Told About Him

  We live in a world of stories, not a world of events — as Michael Jackson's story proves.

  Opinion by Adam Ash — on Jul 07, 2009

• Really Really Good: Our Trip to Neverland Ranch

  Driving up Highway 1 to San Francisco on July 1, we decided to take a detour and stop at Neverland Ranch.

  Opinion by Laron Cue — on Jul 06, 2009

• Michael Jackson Tribute at Universal Citywalk, Thursday, July 9th at 7 PM

  Can't get into the Staples Center tribute? Join us to remember the King of Pop at Universal Citywalk.

  News by Maddy Pumilia — on Jul 06, 2009

• Celebs Behaving Badly

  When I can no longer separate celebrities from their negative publicity, I can’t enjoy their work.

  Opinion by The Crow — on Jul 06, 2009

• The Posters on Our Walls

  Growing up in the 70s, my sister and I had posters of Michael Jackson and Farrah Fawcett on our walls.

  Opinion by Victor Lana — on Jul 06, 2009

• How "Beat It" Inspired Me To Pick Up The Guitar

  Eddie Van Halen's solo on "Beat It" remains one of his masterpieces.

  Opinion by Clarence Yu — on Jul 04, 2009

• How Michael Jackson's Death Gave TMZ Unlikely Legitimacy

  When you're the first to report the death of someone like that, you're gonna gain some clout.

  News by Matthew T. Sussman — on Jun 30, 2009

• Michael Jackson's “This Is It Tour”: Moonwalk To Heaven

  The man, the music, and the humanitarian.

  Opinion by Christine Lakatos — on Jun 30, 2009

• No Tears for Michael

  I refuse to shed tears for the King of Pop.

  Opinion by Joanne Huspek — on Jun 29, 2009