It’s now been five years since the news broke that shook the world: Michael Jackson had died.
The Legendary performer Michael Jackson, whose groundbreaking music and dance moves earned him the nickname the "King of Pop," had been gearing up to perform what would have been a mammoth 50-date stint at London’s O2 Arena for his string of ‘This Is It’ shows, but devastated fans learned on 25 June 2009 that he’d passed away before ever having the chance to show the world that he could still perform.
Following his death, there was a resurgence around Michael Jackson after a long period where it appeared the public had turned their backs on him. His ‘Essential Collection’ stormed to the top of the album charts, while his single ‘Man In The Mirror’ suddenly re-entered the UK top ten singles chart.
The release of the documentary film ‘This Is It’ gave fans a preview of what could have been, and two posthumous releases, ‘Michael’ and ‘Xscape’, have reminded the world that beyond the headlines and the rumours was the man who rightfully held the position of the King Of Pop.
Five years on, we’re remembering the man who helped revolutionise pop music, with his catchy hooks, his incomparable choreography and the furore that surrounded him everywhere he went. Plenty came before him and a whole sea of stars have been since, but there will only ever be one Michael Jackson, and the world of pop music is a different place both for him having been a part of it, and having left it.
On the anniversary of his passing, here are the ten things we most miss about the icon and the legend that was Michael Jackson…
1. The Buzz Around His New Releases
In an age when whole albums go up onto iTunes without any fanfare, it’s hard to imagine a time when Michael Jackson announcing a new record would make the 6 o’clock news – but his star power meant that every step he took in his career became an event, and his fans all over the globe loved him for it.
2. His Live Shows
Being a performer since he was just a child meant that Michael was pretty much untouchable when it came to live performances.
Whether it be at his tours or his iconic awards show appearances, he will always be remembered as a heavyweight of the music world when it comes to performing live.
3. His Unique Sense Of Style
True, not everything Michael Jackson wore was loved by everyone – that face-mask trend never did catch on, did it? – his unusual fashion choices were what helped propel him to pop icon status.
4. His Eccentricities
Indubitably one of the most talked about men in the world, whether he was just hanging out with his pet monkey, Bubbles, there was always something to discuss when it came to Michael Jackson.
5. His Extravagance
Because, really, which other popstar in the world would have a full-blown theme park – complete with a ferris wheel and petting zoo – in their back gardens? Olly Murs? Ellie Goulding? Ed Sheeran?
We don’t think so…
6. The Music Videos That Made Him Famous
Now certain popstars – not naming any names, *cough* Ga *cough* Ga – might make a fifteen minute music video a tedious experience, filling it with over-the-top, overblown imagery that takes an art degree and a copy of the Da Vinci Code to hand to wrap your head around.
Instead, Michael Jackson’s videos made up for their length by filling every moment with something to surprise or scare or move you, and really told a story.
7. “Hee Hee!”
Michael’s vocal ticks and grunts were a big part of what made him such a distinctive artist, as heard in his iconic hit ‘Billie Jean’.
8. His Collaborations With Other Artists
To be able to collaborate with Michael Jackson was an honour bestowed on only a few lucky popstars such as Britney Spears, Sir Paul McCartney, Diana Ross and Lionel Richie, who all worked with MJ to some degree during his lengthy career.
For us, though, his definitive duet was ‘Scream’, which saw him collaborate with his sister Janet. The dance break in this video is undoubtedly some of the best performing either artist has ever done.
9. His Lyrics
It wasn’t just his inspirational lyrics as heard in ‘Man In The Mirror’ and ‘Heal The World’ that Michael will be remembered for, he also told stories like in his hits ‘Dirty Diana’ and ‘Billie Jean’, and even took a stand for causes he believed in like in ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ and ‘Leave Me Alone’.
10. His Music, Of Course
What the world will always remember Michael Jackson for, first and foremost, is the music he gave us during his lifetime. Whether he was getting us up on the dance-floor, or delivering a weepy ballad, Michael’s music always did the job
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/2014..._5525607.html?
(except for the Gaga shade 
)
