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

  • KING OF POP: MOON LANDING photo | Michael Jackson

Credit: Kevin Mazur/Wireimage

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

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KING OF POP:
MOON LANDING

It was the moment that had kids everywhere trying to walk backwards: Jackson, in cropped pants and loafers, debuted the smooth-sliding "moonwalk," one of the most iconic dance moves ever choreographed, during the 1983 primetime special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. Singing with his brothers and solo, he performed his hit "Billie Jean" – and left the audience screaming for more. He later reprised the moment at the 1995 MTV Video Music Awards (left).

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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