Image via MySpace.com/MichaelJackson

There is only one man who has ushered in a musical era with a glitter glove- Michael Jackson. Remembered by millions as the King of Pop, the larger than life legend left behind a musical legacy for humanity.

Jackson spent over four decades as the subject of intense media scrutiny until his untimely demise on June 25, 2009. He first stepped into the public eye in 1968, when he formed The Jackson 5 with his four brothers. The group’s first four singles- I Want You Back, ABC, The Love You Save and I’ll Be There- skyrocketed to the top of the charts, breaking racial barriers and making music history.

In 1971, Jackson launched a highly successful solo career, moving on to earn thirteen Grammy awards and was twice inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. At the height of his career, Jackson was indisputably the biggest star in the world and to date, has sold over 750 million albums worldwide. His 1982 album Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time with an estimated 50 million copies sold worldwide.

Unfortunately, overwhelming professional success did not translate positively into his personal life. Over the years, Jackson faced legal allegations of child sexual abuse and though acquitted, continued to be plagued by financial woes and controversy surrounding the paternity of his three children.

Jackson indulged in increasingly eccentric behaviour, painting a portrait of a child star that could not come to terms with his celebrity. This real-life Peter Pan was unable to recapture a lost childhood, seeking refuge in Neverland and using music to escape from an unhappy reality.

Despite his personal issues and legal problems, Jackson’s humanitarian efforts cannot be ignored. Jackson was immortalised in the 2000 Guinness World Records for “Most Charities Supported by a Pop Star”. Jackson supported 39 charitable organisations including the American Cancer Society, Childhelp USA and Volunteers of America.

Furthermore, the 1985 hit We Are The World, penned by Jackson and Lionel Ritchie, raised over US$63 million to aid victims of famine in Africa. Over 45 popular artists came together in the recording to unite people of the world– a task that was near to Jackson’s heart. In 1992, Jackson set up the Heal the World Foundation, named after his hit song “to improve the conditions for children throughout the world.”

Jackson’s music bridged racial, cultural and historical divides. Yesterday, artists, family and fans paid tribute to Jackson at the BET Awards 2009. He may have been the greatest entertainer that lived, but his music told stories of AIDS awareness, world unity, peace and love.

Jackson used pop culture to make a positive difference to humanity and his legacy will moonwalk into the future, touching the hearts of those who listen to the message behind his music. As Jackson urged in Man in the Mirror, “If you want to make the world a better place, take look at yourself and then make a change.”

Pay tribute to the King of Pop at www.michaeljackson.com