Michael Jackson is seen in file pictures from top left, 1971, 1977, 1979, and bottom left, 1983, 1987, and 1990. Jackson has died in Los Angeles at age 50 on Thursday, June 25, 2009. (AP Photo)
The surprising death of the "King of Pop," Michael Jackson, is sure to bring about renewed interest in his life and his music. Although he was only 50 years old, virtually his entire life had been spent in the media spotlight. The world watched his transformation from the cute kid singing with his brothers in the Jackson 5 to the solo phenomenon that set the world on fire, before morphing into a circus sideshow that was almost beyond recognition.
Along the way, a number of books have been written either by or about Jackson. In some cases, the differences between books are so extreme that the reader might wonder if they're about the same person. All contain a portion of the truth, but none can completely capture the contradictory and complex man that was Michael Jackson.
Moonwalk - Michael Jackson, 1988
Jackson's first autobiography looked at his early career with the Jackson 5, as well as the beginnings of his solo career with some of his biggest albums - Off the Wall, Thriller, and Bad. There are a number of photographs that were published here for the first time.
Dancing the Dream - Michael Jackson, 1992
Jackson's book contains 28 essays, 17 poems and 84 photographs on a variety of topics, including dance, music, religion, and his thoughts about life.
Michael Jackson American Master - C. Mecca, 1997
Mecca's book was authorized by MJJ Productions, and not surprisingly, is a very favorable look at the singer.
Michael Jackson: An Exceptional Journey - Darren Brooks, 2002
Subtitled "The Unauthorised Biography in Word and Pictures," Brooks' book was published during a period when Jackson had been largely out of the limelight (or as out of the limelight as it seems Jackson ever managed). There's not much new information here, although there are some new photos.
Michael Jackson, the Early Years - Chris Cadman, 2002
A well researched look at Jackson's early career as a child star with the Jackson 5 and his early solo career, Cadman chronicles the music, not the tabloid stories.
Redemption: The Truth Behind the Michael Jackson Child Molestation Charges - Geraldine Hughes, 2004
Hughes looked at the 1993 child molestation cases against Jackson, examining the events that led up to the allegations as well as the settlement reached.
Michael Jackson: The Magic and the Madness - J. Randy Taraborelli, 2004
Taraborelli's look at Jackson's life is generally considered objective and well-researched. It looks beyond tabloid rumors to try to trace the real story behind Michael Jackson. He includes not only Jackson's publicity stunts and cosmetic surgery, but also his talent.
Michael Jackson: The Visual Documentary - Adrian Grant, 2005
A very favorable look at Jackson's career, Grant has chronicled his records, concerts and videos, along with public appearances and performances.
Michael Jackson: The King of Pop - Jel D. Lewis Jones, 2005
Ms. Lewis Jones is an unabashed fan of Jackson, and her book is probably one of the most relentlessly positive books written about him. In large part, the book is made up of interviews that Jackson gave with talk show hosts and magazines.
The Trials of Michael Jackson - Lynton Guest, 2006
A largely favorable book, it seems to suggest that Jackson was the victim in the child molestation case - the victim of a conspiracy aimed at bringing down a popular entertainment icon.
Jacko, His Rise and Fall: The Social and Sexual History of Michael Jackson - Darwin Porter, 2007
This massive biography contains stories and anecdotes that are odd, even by Michael Jackson standards. If Porter's research is correct, it seems as though almost every famous person in the world had contact with Jackson at some point in his life. It also seems as though all of them have an off-the-wall story about him.
Be Careful Who You Love: Inside the Michael Jackson Case - Diane Dimond, 2007
Dimond was an investigative editor and anchor for Court TV. Her books is another look at the court case and criminal allegations from Jackson's 2005 trial.
Conspiracy - Aphrodite Jones, 2007
Jones examined in detail the 2005 child molestation case filed in Santa Barbara, California, focusing on the evidence presented in court. It's a look at the case without the magnification of the media sideshow the accompanied it.
Michael Jackson: For the Record - Chris Cadman, 2007
Cadman's book is a largely favorable biography, focusing on Jackson's music career. There's an extensive listing of his music included.
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Comments
iam so sad when hear that news .i have no words to say mr . jacksan .he is genius person .real time hero of world mr.jacksan .........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................n going on my words............................................................................................................until nt stop my word going on only.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
legend,he was.motivator he'l ever be.he has a cogent picture/space in the memory of this world.micheal,we love u.dr.ptyalin@yahoo.co.uk
we r so mad that this happened .why did he have to die he was an inpiratin to so many people . he will be missed daerly . he is in a better place now he has no more suffering no more struggles he will be a legend.his music will continue on for decades and for centries. his music will never be forgotten.we miss you dearly. your up in heaven now.i guess god wanted you to come home. i know that you did nothing wrong i know how the press can be. i will not listen to what they say. i am not going to think about the negetive. we miss you bye.
R.I.P MICHAEL JACKSON.U WILL ALWAYS B IN MY HEART.AM GONNA MISS U
wow..im really sad as i play is music, its like i like somoeone in my family..thx mike,so much im my heart to talk about, i will alwasy rememer you. not playing anything else for a while..
I am so sad about Michael's tragic death. I had to write a Tribute song and now you can download it for Free and share it with all your friends. Let's all sing this song for Michael together. He is the Angel of our time!
you can get my song from zindy.com/Angel_Of_Our_Time_Master.mp3
It's sad that we lost the KING OF POP!!!!
We have lost a truly gifted artist. If you don't have anything good to say don't say nothing. I blame the parents for letting their kids stay with Michael. What kind of parents would that? They wanted his money. As for the drugs the doctors kept him in supply at all times. If they truly cared for him they would have said no. And yes, I would have said no they are dangerous for you and walked away. Michael will truly be missed. He is in heaven now singing with the angels. Michael, I will miss you alot. Rest in peace I love you
i am sad that michael jackson is dead in 50 i love you michael
micheal bye bye
i hate that diand dimon shes a real demon that is still exist in this world.i really really hate that et reporter.shes nonsense
I luv u michael and i'll never forget u and your music!!!!!!! <3
i love michael...thank you for inspiring me..i love you bye.huhuhu
These are some good books about Michael. With so many negative media stories out there, it was refreshing to see some positive book reviews for a change. Other great books about Michael include the ones by Mark Bego (Michael! and On The Road with Michael Jackson). Nelson George also wrote some great books about Michael. Michael's legacy will live on in our hearts forever, long live the King of Pop's memory and music.
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