Death of an Icon

Perhaps the greatest pop star of all time, Michael Jackson, died June 25 after paramedics responded to a call at his Los Angeles home, found the singer not breathing and rushed him to a hospital. The bestselling artist and 13-time Grammy winner, 50, had been renting a mansion in L.A.’s Bel Air neighborhood and was rehearsing for a series of sold-out shows scheduled to begin July 13 in London. There have been concerns about Jackson’s health in recent years, but the promoters of his new tour have said that Jackson recently passed a 4.5-hour physical examination with independent doctors.

Upon hearing the news, longtime friend and colleague Quincy Jones released a statement saying he was “absolutely devastated” by the news. “He was the consummate entertainer and his contributions and legacy will be felt upon the world forever,” Jones said.  “I’ve lost my little brother today, and part of my soul has gone with him.”