Michael Jackson, called the King of Pop, has died suddenly in Los Angeles at the age of 50. The singer was rushed to hospital Thursday, where doctors pronounced him dead. There are reports ... Michael Jackson may have died after getting a Demerol injection. The call went out to paramedics shortly after noon that Jackson had suffered apparent cardiac arrest. Lieutenant Gregg Strenk of the Los Angeles Police Department said the singer was pronounced dead about two hours later at the University of California, Los Angeles medical center. "Currently, the LA County coroner's office is taking possession of Jackson's body. They will handle any other inquiries into the type of death or anything that relates to that," he said. As news leaked out, hundreds of fans converged on the medical center. Others gathered on Hollywood Boulevard at the singer's star on the Walk of Fame. Michael Jackson was born in 1958, the seventh of nine children, and he first found fame as a singer and dancer in the family pop group The Jackson 5. He outshone his siblings and by age eight, was the star of the group, thrilling audiences with favorites like ABC. In his later solo career, Jackson became a superstar. His 1982 album "Thriller," with its blockbuster hits "Beat It" and ''Billie Jean" was the biggest-selling album of all time. That year, he first performed his trademark moonwalk dance, gliding backwards while appearing to walk forward. The singer pioneered the music video genre, and arguably became the world's top musical performer.

He was scheduled to begin a series of 50 comeback concerts in London. The first was set for July 13th, and they were to continue until next March. Tickets for the shows, offered in March, sold out in minutes.

Jackson was married twice. In 1993, he married Lisa Marie Presley, the only daughter of the late pop star Elvis Presley. The couple divorced in 1996. That year, he married Debbie Rowe and they divorced three years later. Jackson had three children, two born to Debbie Rowe and one to a surrogate mother

Speculation is building that Michael Jackson was targeted by members of the mafia in Los Angeles in what was believed an attempt by various disgruntled creditors to recover millions of dollars of money owed on failed business ventures.

Sources in Los Angeles believe various "high-ranking" members of the underworld had been given orders to approach Michael Jackson in an attempt to recover money given the stars apparent rise in fortunes.

The star is believed in an act of desperation may have overdosed on sleeping pills in a desperate last ditch attempt to avoid a grueling 50 date tour in London and confrontations with the underworld.

An autopsy of Michael Jackson is likely to take place in the next few days, with funeral arrangement yet to be confirmed.

Michael Jackson Famous Quotes
I'll always be Peter Pan in my heart. 

People think they know me, but they don't. Not really. Actually, I am one of the loneliest people on this earth. I cry sometimes, because it hurts. It does. To be honest, I guess you could say that it hurts to be me. 

"Just because you read it in a magazine or see it on a TV screen doesn't make it factual. To buy it is to feed it." - about tabloid magazines. 
I made a terrible mistake. I got caught up in the excitement of the moment. I would never intentionally endanger the lives of my children. 
"You ain't seen nothing yet, and the best is yet to come." (1999) 
There is a lot of sadness in my past life. My father beat me. It was difficult to take being beaten and then going on stage. He was strict; very hard and stern. 
Elizabeth Taylor used to feed me, to hand-feed me, at times. Please, I don't want anybody to think I'm starving, I'm not. My health is perfect, actually. 
I just want to say to fans in every corner of the earth, every nationality, every race, every language: I love you from the bottom of my heart. I would love your prayers and your goodwill, and please be patient and be with me and believe in me because I am completely, completely innocent. But please know a lot of conspiracy is going on as we speak. 
"Marlon Brando has been pushing. He's a wonderful man. He's a god. He wants a lot of money. He wants to get things done right now." - On a video about acting which he was planning to make with Brando in 2001 
Elizabeth Taylor is a warm cuddly blanket that I love to snuggle up to and cover myself with. I can confide in her and trust her. She's Mother Teresa, Princess Diana, the Queen of England, and Wendy. 
I trusted Martin Bashir to come into my life and that of my family because I wanted the truth to be told. Martin Bashir persuaded me to trust him that his would be an honest and fair portrayal of my life and told me that he was the man that turned Diana's life around. I am surprised that a professional journalist would compromise his integrity by deceiving me in this way. Today I feel more betrayed than perhaps ever before; that someone, who had got to know my children, my staff and me, whom I let into my heart and told the truth, could then sacrifice the trust I placed in him and produce this terrible and unfair programme. Everyone who knows me will know the truth which is that my children come first in my life and that I would never harm any child. I also want to thank my fans around the world for the overwhelming number of messages of support that I have received, particularly from Great Britain, where people have e-mailed me and said how appalled they were by the Bashir film. Their love and support has touched me greatly. 
I was coming out of the shower and I fell and all my body weight - I'm pretty fragile - all my body weight fell against my rib cage. And I bruised my lung very badly. 
I love my children. I was holding my son tight. Why would I throw a baby off the balcony? That's the dumbest, stupidest story I ever heard. 
I think that it's demeaning and disrespectful but I also want to make it clear it's not just about me but a pattern of disrespect that he has shown to our community. He needs to stop it and he needs to stop it now." - On Eminem's video for "Just Lose It 
I have spent my entire life helping millions of children across the world. I would never harm a child. It is unfortunate that some individuals have seen fit to come forward and make a complaint that is completely false. Years ago, I settled with certain individuals because I was concerned about my family and the media scrutiny that would have ensued if I fought the matter in court. These people wanted to exploit my concern for children by threatening to destroy what I believe in and what I do. I have been a vulnerable target for those who want money. 
I am always writing a potpourri of music. I want to give the world escapism through the wonder of great music and to reach the masses.
I'm a visionary and a creative person. God blessed me with certain talents. I hate to use an analogy, but Walt Disney was creative but not good with business. His brother Roy handled the books. He loved creating family-oriented entertainment and so do I. I feel that was a gift and I have that gift also. I'm very honored to have been chosen. 
"When I saw him move I was mesmerized. I've never seen a performer perform like James Brown and right then and there I knew that that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. 
Where Are They Now 
(November 2003) Greatest hits compilation released on 17th November 2003, entitled "Michael Jackson: Number Ones", with one new song entitled "One More Chance". 
(November 2003) Arrested and charged with sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy. 
(February 2005) Trial for charges including molestation and intoxication of a minor begin. Expected to last at least 6 months.
(June 2005) Acquitted on all charges in the child molestation and intoxication of a minor trial. 
(September 2005) Resides in Bahrain, a Muslim country that is located on the Southern part of Persian Gulf. 
(November 2006) Accepted Guinness World Record award for Greatest Album of all time, at London's Earls Court.-Sampurn Media 
 

Words can't come close to describing what Michael Jackson meant to a lot of us young minds and able bodies.

He stood on a pedestal so high no one could touch him up to this very day. For me all other dance acts like usher, Omarion.etc were influencers in my music and style but Michael Jackson was my role model.

One can't imagine the sacrifices and hard work he put into his career. He is a true definition of devotion and dedication to self art and music.

He defined everything in entertainment from the songs, lyrics, choreography and oh yes! videos. I'm speechless, I am devastated, and I'm breathless.

I feel I have lost a father, teacher and mentor. Even in our very own Nigerian Industry, he's influence is evident. There is only one true king of Pop.

He was an inspiration not only on stage but in character as well. Besides the alleged scandals he was a true symbol of how artists, role models and entertainers ought to behave. We grew with Michael.

He shared his life with us. There isn't a soul that doesn't know or wasn't affected by the great one. The king of falsettos and master of the stage.

His passion for music was astounding and unbelievable. Letting us know that we are masters of our destiny.

I owe him all my abilities and much more, because he showed me how to sing, dance, create and most of all how to DREAM! WE LOVE MICHEAL!!

Landis: "I was lucky enough to know and work with Michael Jackson in his prime. Michael was an extraordinary talent and a truly great international star. He had a troubled and complicated life and despite his gifts, remains a tragic figure. My wife Deborah and I will always have great affection for him."

Elizabeth Taylor: is too devastated by the passing of her dear friend Michael Jackson to issue a statement at this time.

Corey Feldman - "I come to you today with great sadness, acknowledging the loss of the greatest entertainer in the history of mankind. For me he was more than that, he was my idol, he was a role model, he was someone to cry to when my childhood was unbearable, he was a brother, he was a dear friend."

Arnold Schwarzenegger: We lost a great entertainer and a pop icon. My thoughts and prayers go out to Michael Jackson's family, friends and fans.

Diddy: Michael Jackson showed me that you can actually see the beat. He made the music come to life!! He made me believe in magic. I will miss him!

Samantha Ronson: His music is just as relevant now as it was the day they pressed record, I'm sure it will remain so for generations to come.R.I.P.Mr Jackson.

Dane Cook: I'm dedicating my show 2night to Michael Jackson. THRILLER got me laid. Well... At least thats what I told my friends.

Heidi Montag: the world has suffered a GREAT loss today Michael Jackson my thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans God bless.

Ice T: Rest In Peace Mike. People can say what they want but you were 100% original. WE will always love , miss & remember your GREATNESS.

John Mayer: Dazed in the studio. A major strand of our cultural DNA has left us. RIP MJ. I think we'll mourn his loss as well as the loss of ourselves as children listening to Thriller on the record player.

Ashley Tisdale: So sad. Saying a prayer for Michael Jackson.

Miley Cyrus: Michael Jackson was my inspiration. love and blessings

Ludacris: If it were not for Micheal Jackson I would not be where or who I am today.His Music and Legacy will live on Forever.Prayers to the famR.I.P.

MC Hammer: I have no words.. I loved Michael Jackson.. RIP..

Kelly Rowland: Michael you left such a legacy on this earth, have touched SO MANY!!! We thank you for such a driving inspiration in music & our lives!! This has got to be one of the saddest days in music history!! Michael Rest In Peace! WE miss you!

Star Jones: Death comes to all. But great achievements build a monument." He IS and WAS the greatest entertainer of all times...Peace to you brother.

Lindsay Lohan: NO OMG ... sending my love and prayers out to Michael and his family ... i feel sick..

Marlon Wayans: My prayers, my love, my heart goes out to michael jackson and the entire jackson family. I pray so hard for them. I'm crushed! Please pray.

Pete Wentz: Prayers and thoughts with michael jackson ... I haven't hope in so long that news isn't true.

Kim Kardashian: Wow I am truly in shock that Michael Jackson has passed away! I love u Jackson family, my prayers are with the whole family!

Ashton Kutcher: Rip Sending love and light to family and friend but especially his kids.

Shanna Moakler: The hard thing about getting older is watching all those who inspired you pass, love to the jackson family..

Rachelle Lefevre: Rest in peace Farrah Fawcett & Michael Jackson. Condolences to their families.

Madonna: "I can't stop crying over the sad news". "I have always admired Michael Jackson. The world has lost one of the greats, but his music will live on forever! My heart goes out to his three children and other members of his family. God bless."

Lisa Marie Presley, who was briefly married to Jackson in the mid-1990s, says, "I am so very sad and confused with every emotion possible. I am heartbroken for his children, who I know were everything to him, and for his family. This is such a massive loss on so many levels, words fail me."

Brooke Shields: "My heart is overcome with sadness for the devastating loss of my true friend Michael," adds Brooke Shields, who raised eyebrows when she briefly dated Jackson. "He was an extraordinary friend, artist and contributor to the world. I join his family and his fans in celebrating his incredible life and mourning his untimely passing."

Elizabeth Taylor: One of Jackson's closest and longstanding friends, was "too devastated" to issue a statement, her rep says.

Quincy Jones: Jackson's biggest hits producer, says, "I am absolutely devastated at this tragic and unexpected news. For Michael to be taken away from us so suddenly at such a young age, I just don't have the words." 

Cher: "I am having a million reactions," said Cher. "When I think of him, I think of this young boy, this teenager I first met … He was a great teenager, optimistic and adorable."
"He was a great singer. You can't write him off as just a pop [star]. He was a genius like Ray Charles … He had a gift… He was able to connect with people." 

Whitney Houston: "I am full of grief."

Actress Jane Fonda: "I am stunned. My friend, Michael Jackson is dead. He lived with me for a week on the Golden Pond set after 'Thriller.' " 

Neil Portnow: President of the Recording Academy, which honored Jackson with 13 Grammys, says, "Rarely has the world received a gift with the magnitude of artistry, talent, and vision as Michael Jackson. He was a true musical icon."