The ‘king of pop’ is dead

Years as a child star paid off as Jackson became notorious for his hit songs that consistenly jumped to the top of the charts and broke world records [AFP]

Michael's meteoric rise to fame was shared with Janet, his younger sister, and together they enjoyed mutual success as associated acts [AP]

But Jackson did not enjoy the same success with some of his personal relationships, including his controversial marriage to Lisa-Marie Presley that ended in divorce two years later [AFP]

Jackson also sold Neverland, his Disney-inspired mansion where he had sought refuge for many years, for $37 million to pay off his ever-increasing legal costs [EPA]

Some of the costs arose from his legal battles over sexual abuse accusations, which he always publicly denied [AFP]

Critics say Michael suffered abuse at the hands of his father, Joe Jackson, which deeply affected him throughout his life [EPA]

Jackson provoked widespread anger and astonishment in November 2002 when he dangled his baby, Prince Michael II, over a hotel balcony in Berlin, Germany. The incident marked the start of the star being labelled 'Wacko Jacko' [EPA]

Jackson made his last public appearance at a press conference in London where he announced plans for his "This Is It" tour, a summer of concerts that would mark the culmination of his career [Gallo/Getty]

... but he died at the age of 50 after suffering a cardiac arrest in a Los Angeles hospital just weeks before his concert tour was about to begin [AFP]

Michael's death has prompted the world to reflect on his indelible mark in music history. Outside the Apollo Theatre in New York City, fans commemorate his legendary career [Gallo/Getty]