In His Own Words: Michael Jackson On Race, Fame And Loneliness

The pop icon would've been 59 today.

Michael Jackson,  August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009 - Today would have been Michael Jackson's 59th birthday. We lost the icon back in June of 2009 and music has never been the same.  MJ influenced every genre of music, reinvented the word "pop," and broke countless records. He is still so deeply missed, but fortunately his music lasts forever. We honor Michael by using his words. Keep clicking to read his words on fame, his family and much more.
Michael Jackson - His expensive lifestyle and endless legal bills meant the bank was always one late payment away from changing the locks on Neverland Ranch. But Jackson always managed to find a way to keep his home, which cost an estimated $10 million a year to maintain, out of foreclosure — even if it meant auctioning off the zoo and the amusement park rides.(Photo: Mark Mainz/Getty Images)
On His Race - "I’m a Black American, I am proud of my race. I am proud of who I am. I have a lot of pride and dignity." (Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)On Wacko Jacko - "Yeah, Wacko Jacko, where did that come from? Some English tabloid? I have a heart and I have feelings. I feel that when you do that to me. It’s not nice." (Photo: REUTERS/Michael Dalder /Landov)

Next Gallery

Black Stars Who Slayed at the 97th Academy Awards

14 Photos

1 / 11

Michael Jackson,  August 29, 1958 - June 25, 2009 - Today would have been Michael Jackson's 59th birthday. We lost the icon back in June of 2009 and music has never been the same.  MJ influenced every genre of music, reinvented the word "pop," and broke countless records. He is still so deeply missed, but fortunately his music lasts forever. We honor Michael by using his words. Keep clicking to read his words on fame, his family and much more.

ADVERTISEMENT