Michael Joseph Jackson, the internationally recognized and revered musician, died on June 25, 2009, at age 50 after suffering cardiac arrest.

Performing since the age of 5, Jackson began his ascent to superstardom as lead singer of his family band, The Jackson 5, composed of Jackson and his older brothers Tito, Jermaine, Jackie and Marlon. Later, as a solo artist, Jackson would go on to become one of the most successful entertainers of all time, selling more than 750 million albums worldwide and creating the best-selling album of all time, Thriller.

Jackson’s heart stopped while in his home under the supervision of his physician, Dr. Conrad Murray. Following Jackson's death, Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for the improper administration of potent prescription drugs.

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(Photo: Dave Hogan/Getty Images)