Michael Jackson Dies at 50

(MYFOX NATIONAL) - Pop superstar Michal Jackson collapsed and died in Los Angeles Thursday afternoon. The legendary performer was rushed to the hospital in cardiac arrest, but couldn't be rescuscitated. He was 50 years old.

Jackson reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at the Bel Air estate that he was renting and paramedics were unable to revive him. Sources say people who were with the singer yelled, "You've got to save him! You've got save him!" when he arrived at UCLA Medical Center.

TMZ said Jackson's ex-wife Debbie Rowe was "inconsolable." His sister LaToya was seen sobbing at the hospital after finding out Jackson had died. A large crowd of fans and curious passerbys gathered outside of the hospital in tribute to the icon.

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Celebs Twitter About Jackson's Death (TMZ.com)

Michael Jackson's bio (allmusic.com)

Michael Jackson's discography (Billboard.com)

Videos of all 14 Michael Jackson No. 1 hits (MyFoxDC)

The 9-1-1 call was made from his home in the Holmby Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles at 12:21 p.m. PDT.

Producer Quincy Jones who worked with Jackson on his "Thriller" album issued the following statement:

"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.

Divinity brought our souls together on The Wiz and allowed us to do what we were able to throughout the 80's.

To this day, the music we created together on 'Off The Wall,' 'Thriller' and 'Bad' is played in every corner of the world and the reason for that is because he had it all ... talent, grace, professionalism and dedication.

He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever.

I've lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him."

Elton John heard the news while he was at an event and honored the King of Pop by singing "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me."

A Look Back at Jackson's Career

Jackson's death brought a tragic end to a long, bizarre, sometimes farcical decline from his peak in the 1980s, when he was popular music's premier all-around performer, a uniter of black and white music who shattered the race barrier on MTV, dominated the charts and dazzled even more on stage.

His 1982 album "Thriller" -- which included the blockbuster hits "Beat It," "Billie Jean" and "Thriller" -- remains the biggest-selling album of all-time, with more than 26 million copies.

He was perhaps the most exciting performer of his generation, known for his feverish, crotch-grabbing dance moves, his high-pitched voice punctuated with squeals and titters. His single sequined glove and tight, military-style jacket were trademarks second only to his ever-changing, surgically altered appearance.

As years went by, he became an increasingly freakish figure. His skin became lighter and his nose narrower. He surrounded himself with children at his Neverland ranch, often wore a germ mask while traveling and kept a pet chimpanzee named Bubbles as one of his closest companions.

In 2005, he was cleared of charges he molested a 13-year-old cancer survivor at Neverland in 2003. He had been accused of plying the boy with alcohol and groping him. The case took a fearsome toll on his career and image, and he fell into serious financial trouble.

Photos of Michael Jackson (TMZ)

Jackson was preparing for what was to be his greatest comeback: He was scheduled for an unprecedented 50 shows at a London arena, with the first set for July 13. He was in rehearsals in Los Angeles for the concert, an extravaganza that was to capture the classic Jackson magic: showstopping dance moves, elaborate staging and throbbing dance beats.

Hundreds of people gathered outside the hospital as word of his death spread. The emergency entrance at the UCLA Medical Center, which is near Jackson's rented home, was roped off with police tape.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Michael Jackson has just died," a woman boarding a Manhattan bus called out, shortly after the news was annunced. Immediately many riders reached for their cell phones.

In New York's Times Square, a low groan went up in the crowd when a screen flashed that Jackson had died, and people began relaying the news to friends by cell phone.

"No joke. King of Pop is no more. Wow," Michael Harris, 36, of New York City, read from a text message a friend sent to his telephone. "It's like when Kennedy was assassinated. I will always remember being in Times Square when Michael Jackson died."

Michael is survived by three children: Michael Joseph Jackson, Jr., Paris Michael Katherine Jackson and Prince "Blanket" Michael Jackson II.

Jackson rushed to hospital (Hollywood.tv)