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.

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• Michael Jackson: A Gift Remembered and Lost

  My memories of Michael Jackson celebrate, above all, his rich and enormous talent, not the accusations he was fully acquitted of.

  Opinion by Jeannie Danna — on Jun 29, 2009

• Celebrating the Music: A Michael Jackson Retrospective

  Sorting through Michael Jackson's music catalog reveals some famous and lesser-known classics that comprise his legacy.

  Opinion by Kit O'Toole — on Jun 28, 2009

• Time to Rein in the Michael Jackson Hyperbole

  Michael Jackson was fantastic and we'll miss him, but it's time for a little perspective.

  Opinion by Brad Laidman — on Jun 28, 2009

• Remembering The Music of Michael Jackson

  Blogcritics remembers Michael Jackson, the world class entertainer and musician.

  Opinion by Josh Hathaway — on Jun 27, 2009

• Michael Jackson Has Died At Age 50

  The King Of Pop is dead at age 50.

  News by Glen Boyd — on Jun 25, 2009