Michael Jackson 1958-2009

Michael Jackson Remembered

How the child superstar grew into an icon beloved by the world – and the eccentricities that later defined him

  • THE EARLY YEARS:CHILD PRODIGY photo | Michael Jackson

Credit: Michael Ochs Archives/Getty

Updated: Thursday Jun 25, 2009 | 11:00 PM EDT By: Serena Kappes, Aaron Parsley, Brian Orloff and Cara Shultz

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THE EARLY YEARS:
CHILD PRODIGY

Born on Aug. 29, 1958, in Gary, Ind., to Joe and Katherine Jackson, Michael Joseph Jackson – the seventh child in a family of nine kids – showed a gift for singing at an early age, quickly becoming known as the little boy with a big voice. During his days with the Jackson 5, Rolling Stone magazine hailed the young singer as a prodigy with "overwhelming musical gifts."

Michael's Top 10 Iconic Looks | Michael Jackson

Michael's Top 10 Iconic Looks

From one glove to white socks to military jackets, see how Jackson set trends for a generation

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