Remembering Michael Jackson: Rare Photos & Facts About The King Of Pop

Twelve years ago today, we lost The King of Pop. His music, moves and fashion will forever be a part of popular culture. As part of The Jackson 5, the little boy from Gary, Indiana catapulted to heights that most artists can only hope to reach, and his influence can be seen in artists such as Usher, Chris Brown and scores of others.

“Music has been my outlet, my gift to all of the lovers in this world… Through it, my music, I know I will live forever.” Michael Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) 

Celebrate his legendary career with our gallery of rare photos and surprising MJ facts.

1. He is one of the few artists to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice (1997, 2001)

2. Michael wanted to Whitney Houston to be the female voice on his song “I Just Can’t Stop Loving You”

3. In 1977, Muhammad Ali appeared with Michael on The Jackson 5 television show.

4. Lionel Richie's band used to open for The Jackson 5.

5. Michael bought his pet chimp Bubbles from a Texas research facility in the 1980s.

6. One MJ impersonator was so convincing, fans demanded a DNA test.

7. His favorite animated character from childhood was Pinocchio.

8. When MJ listened to the songs from his days in The Jackson 5, he said he sounded like “Minnie Mouse.”

9. “Billie Jean” is allegedly based on a true story. MJ claims an obsessive fan tried to say he was the father of her child.

10. His first song to hit the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart was “Ben” in 1972.

11. Get this… The costumes for the “Thriller” video came from the Salvation Army.

12. Jackson invented and owns the patent for the special anti-gravity boots he wore that allowed him to lean forward extremely far in live performances of “Smooth Criminal.”

13. MJ loved animals, and had several…strange pets. He had a python called Crusher, two llamas called Louis and Lola, and his most famous pet was Bubbles, the chimpanzee.

14. The original song title for “Thriller” was “Starlight.”

15. Sources say MJ slept in an oxygen tent to live longer and for cosmetic purposes.

16. MJ was a proud owner of a 2,700-acre Neverland Ranch that has a theme park, a menagerie, and a movie theater.

17. “Home Alone” star Macaulay Culkin was one of MJ’s closest friends, and is the godfather of two of Jackson’s children.

18. MJ often wore a black armband to remind people of the suffering of children around the world.

19. The Los Angeles mansion he was renting just before he passed away once belonged to Sean Connery.

20. MJ was allegedly a pretty avid reader… He was once accused by a library of owing $1 million in overdue book fines.

21. Wikipedia, Twitter, and AOL’s Instant Messenger all crashed at 3:15PM on the day MJ died: June 25, 2009.