MY MOONWALK

DEBUT OF THE MOONWALK

CONDOLENCES

To the Family of Michael Jackson,

It is difficult to remember, as Janet pointed out, that Michael was family to you. For us he was an icon and a star. We spent years of our lives with his face lighting up our living rooms from the television set in the corner. He was always there, in the spotlight, shining as only he could. But for you, he was a son, a brother, a father. You knew him in ways the world could never, and especially for you am I truly sorry that he has gone.

Although we didn't know him as you did, we appreciated his life work. It changed some of us, and it healed others. His passing came too soon, but Maya Angelou was right when she wrote "we had him." We did. We had him for a short time. And we celebrate the life he lived while he was with us.

We hope your grieving is eased during the coming months, and we want you to know that you are in our thoughts and hearts. If there is anything we can do, tell us. God knows Michael did so much for us.

--The World

MICHAEL JACKSON'S LIFE TIMELINE

29 August 1958: Born in Gary, Indiana

Early 60's: Joseph Jackson forms a singing group consisting of his three oldest sons: Jackie, Jermaine, and Tito. Michael and Marlon join the group when they are 5 and 6, respectively.

1968: Jackson 5 is signed to Motown Records by Berry Gordon

August 1969: Jackson 5 opens for The Supremes

Decemeber 1969: Jackson 5 releases first album, "Diana Ross Presents the Jackson 5"

January 1970: First single ("I Want You Back") hits number 1 on the music charts

1971: Michael first launches his solo career but remains with the Jackson 5

1971-1973: The Jackson 5 cartoon show airs on televesion.

1975: The Jackson 5 leaves Motown Records

1978: "The Jacksons" sign on with Epic Records and were now able to write all of their own songs

1979: Release of Michael's solo album, "Off the Wall"

1982: Release of Michael's solo album, "Thriller" (stayed on the charts for 80 weeks, 37 of which were the number 1 spot)

Thriller nominated for 12 grammys, wins 8.

At the Grammy's, Michael wins Best R&B Song (Billie Jean), Best Pop Vocal Performance (Thriller), and Best Rock Vocal performance (Beat It)

1983: Famous dance move, the moonwalk, debuts on a television special honoring Motown

1984: Michael's hair lights on fire during the filming of a Pepsi commercial. He sustains severe burns to the face and scalp.

1985: Co-writes and sings "We Are The World"

1987: Reaches the top of the charts with new album, "Bad"

Late 80's: Michael builds Neverland. Rumors about his personal life reach all-time highs.

1991: Released the album, "Dangerous." The public surprised by Michael's new sexual and violent gestures

1993: First allegations of child molestation surface

1994: A deal is made with the boy's family outside of court

August 1994: Marries Lisa Marie Presley

1996: Divorced

Late 1996: Marriage to Debbie Rowe

1997: First child, Prince Michael Jackson born.

1998: Daughter Paris Michael Katherine Jackson born.

1999: Michael and Debbie divorce, leaving Michael with full custody of Prince and Paris.

2001: Released album, "Invincible." Quirks begin to outshine his musical talent.

2002: Third child, Prince Michael II (Blanket) born. Michael receives criticism for dangling the infant out of a hotel window.

2003: Documentary, "Living With Michael Jackson," filmed by Martin Bashir, released

2004: Second child molestation allegations surface. Faced with 10 counts, charged with 5.

June 14, 2005: Acquitted of all charges after a media circus of court appearances.

Later 2005: Moves to Bahrain

2008: Financial hardships lead to the selling of Neverland Ranch

March 5, 2009: Michael announces his upcoming "Comeback" tour scheduled to commence on July 8th, 2009.

June 25, 2009: Michael dies suddenly of cardiac arrest.

BIRTH ANNOUNCEMENT

GARY POST TRIBUNE--September 1, 1958

JACKSON--Mr. and Mrs. Joseph and Katherine Jackson are pleased to announce the arrival of their newest son, Michael Joseph Jackson, born on August 29th, 1958 in Gary, Indiana. Joseph is employed by Gary Metal Manufactoring and plays R&B style music with his band, The Falcons, and Katherine is an avid member of the Jehovah's Witness Kingdom Hall. Michael is welcomed by his six siblings--Maureen (Rebbie), 8, Sigmund (Jackie), 7, Toriano (Tito), 5, Jermaine, 4, La Toya, 2, and Marlon, 1. The family also wishes to remember their late son, Brandon, who would also have turned 1 this year.

MY TOP 10 PICKS

1. The Girl is Mine (ft. Paul McCartney)

2. In The Closet

3. Leave Me Alone

4. You Rock My World

5. She's Out of My Life

6. The Way You Make Me Feel

7. Gone Too Soon

8. I'll Be There (Jackson 5)

9. Ben

10. Heal The World

PORTRAIT