Michael Jackson, 1958-2009

The top-selling solo artist of all time has left the building. On Thursday, June 25th, Michael Jackson died at the age of 50, and while I am surprised, some part of me isn't shocked. Michael Jackson was a strange man, born into a spotlight that he never stepped out of. Easily one of the biggest celebrities of all time, he had an image that was even bigger than he was, putting him alongside celebrities like Elvis Presley, James Dean, and Marilyn Monroe. Tragically, all of these superstars died unexpectedly and early: the price of monumental stardom.

He became increasingly strange as the years progressed, altering his face nearly beyond recognition. Many younger people only know this transformed, controversial Jackson, forever tainted by unproven accusations of child molestation. However, all those my age or older remember a time when he ruled the world. He truly was the King of Pop, and his record sales may never be surpassed. Thriller isn't just the best selling record in history; it holds that title by a margin of roughly 60 million copies. Michael Jackson died on the verge of his "This Is It" Comeback Tour, capping a tragic life with an especially heartbreaking end.

Still, there should be no doubt that even though Michael Jackson has passed away, his music isn't going anywhere.