Michael Jackson — Photos of the Late Pop Singer

By:
August 29, 2024 2:14PM EDT
Michael Jackson
WireImage

See photos of the late King of Pop throughout his life, from his “Thriller” days to the 2000s.

Michael Jackson, known as the King of Pop, is remembered for his iconic music and performance career. After starting out with his family as a member of The Jackson 5, Michael went on to become one of the biggest solo artists in history. Upon releasing hits like “Thriller,” “Beat It” and “Billie Jean,” the late pop singer is regarded as a major name in music history.

Michael made history as the first musician to perform solo at the halftime show. And in fitting with his legacy of environmental activism he finished the show with his inspiring ballad “Heal the World.” The halftime show was immensely good for ratings and marked an iconic first for the game, thanks to Michael for the very first time the Super Bowl’s history the audience increased between halves.

Scroll through the gallery to see pics of Michael throughout his life.

1 of 12

Michael Jackson presents James Brown with an award

Michael Jackson presents James Brown with an award
Kevork Djansezian/AP/REX/Shutter

Michael Jackson presents James Brown with a lifetime achievement award at the 3rd annual BET Awards. Sadly, the music icons have both passed away, but thier music lives on forever. 

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
2 of 12

Michael Jackson performs in 1996

Michael Jackson performs in 1996
Alan Davidson/REX/Shutterstock

Michael Jackson performs at the 1996 Brit Awards after receiving the Artist of A Generation award on Feb. 19, 1996. The same year Michael and Lisa Marie Pressley divorced afte rbeign married less than two years. 

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
3 of 12

Michael Jackson performs in London

Michael Jackson performs in London
Andre Csillag/REX/Shutterstock

Michael Jackson performs at Wembley Stadium in London in 1992 during his ‘Dangerous’ world tour. All profits from the tour were donated to charity. 

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
4 of 12

Michael Jackson and Madonna attend a party

Michael Jackson and Madonna attend a party
Pierre-Giles Vidoli/WWD/REX/Shut

Michael Jackson and Madonna pose together at Swifty Lazar’s Academy Awards after-party on Mar. 25, 1991. The musical icons were lontime friends. 

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
5 of 12

Michael Jackson is seen on his 1989 tour

Michael Jackson is seen on his 1989 tour
Greg Allen/Retna Ltd/REX/Shutter

Michael Jackson performs in Los Angeles in 1989. He gave his all to a sold out show on the final night of his 1988-1989 ‘Bad’ world tour. 

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
6 of 12

Michael Jackson is seen with the Reagan’s

Michael Jackson is seen with the Reagan’s
Scott Stewart/AP/REX/Shutterstoc

Michael Jackson stands with President Ronald Reagan and first lady Nancy Reagan on the south lawn of the White House prior to receiving an award from the president for his contribution to the drunk driving awareness program. The King of Pop allowed his song ‘Beat It’ to be used for the raod safety campaign free of charge.  

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
7 of 12

Michael Jackson holds hands with Brooke Shields

Michael Jackson holds hands with Brooke Shields
Doug Pizac/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Brooke Shields and Michael Jackson arrive at the 11th Annual American Music Awards in 1984. The unlikley pair were childhood friends. 

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
8 of 12

Michael Jackson is seen between takes on-set of ‘Billie Jean’

Michael Jackson is seen between takes on-set of ‘Billie Jean’
Eugene Adebari/REX/Shutterstock

Michael Jackson on the set of the ‘Billie Jean’ music video in 1983. Accoding to Michael the legendary pop hit was based on “groupies” he had met. 

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
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Michael Jackson and Elton John snap a photo together

Michael Jackson and Elton John snap a photo together
Adam Scull/REX/Shutterstock

Michael Jackson and Elton John appear together at Studio 54 in 1978. Both were regualrs at the elite Manhattan disco club. 

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
10 of 12

Michael Jackson is seen with his older sister La Toya

Michael Jackson is seen with his older sister La Toya
Crollalanza/REX/Shutterstock

Michael and La Toya Jackson pose for a picture together. The siblings were very close and at times even known to be ‘inseperable’.  

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
11 of 12

Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson
Anonymous/AP/REX/Shutterstock

Michael Jackson, 13, the youngest member of the singing group Jackson Five, sings in his home in Encino, California. In August 1969, when Michael was jsut 10 years old, the Jackson 5 opened for Diana Ross at the L.A. Forum, and that same year htey released their debut album. 

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM
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Michael Jackson With The Jackson 5

Michael Jackson With The Jackson 5
REX/Shutterstock

Michael Jackson performs with the Jackson 5 in 1972. The group made up of five brothers were one of the biggest phenomenons in pop music during the early 1970’s. But when Michael broke out on his own he forever became known as the King of Pop. 

March 3, 2019, 5:59PM