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World mourns Michael Jackson, hails 'heir to Elvis'

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-06-26 18:02

Jackson sold an estimated 750 million records, a figure that is likely to rise with the expected posthumous re-release of his hits. "Thriller", which came out in 1982, remains the best-selling album of all time.

A portrait of pop singer Michael Jackson dressed as a king by artist Norman Oak is shown in this image released to Reuters in this February 17, 2009 file photo. [Agencies] More Photos:Michael Jackson in 50 Years

Jackson also won 13 Grammy Awards, made boundary-breaking music videos and his slick dance moves were imitated by legions of fans, and fellow pop stars, around the world.

But his preference for the company of children, high-pitched voice, numerous plastic surgeries and life as a virtual recluse earned him many critics and the nickname "Wacko Jacko."

When he came to London to announce his residency at the O2 Arena starting on July 13, bookmakers immediately took bets on whether he would turn up for the first show, amid concerns and rumours over his physical and mental health.

His sudden death, nevertheless, came as a surprise.

"I spoke to Michael only a few days ago and he was absolutely on top of everything, working hard and really excited about (the) forthcoming shows," said Mark Lester, a former child actor and godfather to Jackson's children.

"It is just unbelievable," he told Sky News.

Related readings:  King Of Pop Dies At Age 50 Related readings:  Michael Jackson dies at age 50  Mystery surrounds Michael Jackson's sudden death  A look at the career of Michael Jackson  Celebs' reactions to Michael Jackson's death  Fans from Sydney to Rio mourn Michael Jackson  Michael Jackson was much more than the King of Pop

Quincy Jones, who worked closely with Jackson on some of his most successful recordings, led tributes from the music world.

"I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news," he said of one of the first black entertainers of the MTV generation to gain a big crossover following.

Pop star Madonna said: "I can't stop crying over the sad news ... I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats but his music will live on forever."

Germany's Economy Minister Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg, speaking in front of the Adlon Hotel where in 2002 Jackson caused a stir by dangling his baby from a top floor window in front of adoring fans, described Jackson as a truly great artist.

"But his life was also rather tragic in the end...That's why I hope his whole life is taken into account when reflecting upon his death and not only the last few years."

 

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