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: THE 'CUTE ONE' photo | Michael Jackson, Tito Jackson

Credit: Gilles Petard/Redferns/Getty

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

THE EARLY YEARS:
THE 'CUTE ONE'

"Michael was the little cute one," Jermaine told PEOPLE in 1984 about his younger brother, who joined his siblings – (clockwise from left) Tito, Jackie, Jermaine and Marlon – in the group the Jackson 5 at the tender age of 6. Though he started out as a backup musician playing congas and tambourine, it wasn't long before he was the frontman, leading the group to massive success with No. 1 hits including "I Want You Back", "ABC", "The Love You Save" and "I'll Be There."