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In preparation for the London performances, Mr. Jackson had undergone an extensive, five-hour physical examination. AEG Live Chief Executive Randy Phillips said at the time that Mr. Jackson had 'passed with flying colors.'
But signs of trouble arose even as the singer was preparing for the initial concerts. The first four dates were postponed, ostensibly because the singer needed more time for dress rehearsals in the venue. Some people close to the singer expressed doubt whether he would be able to pull off so many concerts, even ample down time built into the schedule.
The sidewalks outside UCLA Medical Center were overflowing with people by mid-afternoon on Thursday. Some onlookers burst into tears even before an official announcement of his death had been made.
Others practiced his signature moonwalk and sand Jackson pop songs. A student residence across the street blared Jackson music from a stereo. News helicopters swirled overhead.
Born in 1958 in Gary, Ind., Mr. Jackson was quickly pushed into the limelight. Even at a very young age he was obviously the star of the Jackson Five, the singing group his father, Joseph Jackson, assembled with five of the Jackson sons.
The Jacksons quickly graduated from local talent shows and regional concerts to the national stage. They signed to Berry Gordy's Motown Records and enjoyed a string of hits that included 'ABC' and 'I Want You Back.' But life under their hard-charging father and manager took its toll, and Mr. Jackson had anything but a normal childhood.
After striking out on his own, Mr. Jackson's fame grew. His 1982 solo album Thriller is one of the best-selling albums in history.
Thriller remained on the Billboard 200's top 10 list for 80 consecutive weeks, buoyed by the hit singles 'Billy Jean,' 'Wanna Be Startin' Somethin' and 'Beat It.' The album itself is often ranked as the best-selling of all time, with 28 million copies having been shipped in the U.S., according to the Recording Industry of Association of America. Estimates put total worldwide sales at more than 50 million copies. The 'Thriller' music video remains one of the most-watched videos on YouTube today, #54. The 13-minute version had 37,083,417 views.
