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
Credit: Jack Kightlinger/White House/Time Life Pictures/Getty Images
Updated: Thursday Jun 24, 2010 | 06:20 AM EDT By: Serena Kappes, Aaron Parsley, Brian Orloff and Cara Shultz
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KING OF POP:
'HOUSE' CALL
"Well, isn't this a thriller?" President Ronald Reagan joked when presenting Jackson with the Presidential Public Safety Commendation Award in 1984. Jackson received the honor for granting the use of his hit single, "Beat It," in a campaign against teen drunken driving. A humbled Jackson merely said, "I'm very, very honored. Thank you very much, Mr. President and Mrs. Reagan."
