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July 8, 2009:
Millions mourn death of King of Pop Michael Jackson - "I will always be Peter Pan in my heart"

Millions of fans worldwide mourned the untimely tragic death of pop legend Michael Jackson at the age of 50.

The King of Pop collapsed and died from a heart attack at his rented mansion in Los Angeles on June 25, 2009.

Tens of thousands gathered at the Staples Center in Los Angeles for the memorial service to the former child star who never grew up.

Jackson's own poignant words adorned a program given to fans mourning the loss of their hero, saying: "I'll always be Peter Pan in my heart."

His 11-year-old daughter Paris paid a tearful tribute to the singer: "Ever since I was born, Daddy has been the best father you could ever imagine. I just want to say I love him so much."

Leading the tributes at the star-studded farewell were Nelson Mandela and Diana Ross, as millions of TV viewers tuned in to watch the biggest celebrity send-off ever.

Singer Smokey Robinson read messages from Ross and Mandela. "Michael was a giant and a legend in the music industry and we mourn with the millions of fans worldwide," said Mandela.

Civil rights activist Rev Al Sharpton said Jackson laid the foundations for a black man to become US President. "It was Michael Jackson that brought blacks, whites and Asians together."

Jackson made his debut as an entertainer in 1964 as a member of The Jackson Brothers, later renamed The Jackson 5.

He launched his solo career in 1971 to quickly become one of the world's most famous pop performers ever.

His 1982 album Thriller is the world's best-selling album of all time, selling more than 100 million copies.
Four of his other solo studio albums are amng the world's best selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).

Equally famous for his dancing skills, he popularized complicated dance techniques such as the 'Moonwalk' and the 'Robot'.

During his lifetime he was a generous giver to charities, donating and raising hundreds of millions of dollars for beneficial causes.

He was at the center of controvery over accusations of child sexual abuse, but strongly denied the allegations.

"I'd slit my wrists rather than hurt a child. I could never do that. No-one will ever know how much these wicked rumours have hurt me," he said in a Daily Mirror interview.

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