It’s been 12 years since the King of Pop Michael Jackson died on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50. His musical influence still reigns supreme throughout the industry, with dozens of his songs still carrying a heavy presence in the collective consciousness.
Today, on the anniversary of his death, we look back at some images of the pop icon, and remember his complicated and troubled past.
The Jackson Five
ShareMichael Jackson and his brothers, Jackie, Tito, Marlon and Jermaine - the Jackson Five, at Heathrow Airport. (Photo by George Stroud/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson HIStory World Tour
ShareAUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 10: Michael Jackson performs on stage during is "HIStory" world tour concert at Ericsson Stadium November 10, 1996 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Announces Plans For Summer Residency At The O2 Arena
ShareLONDON - MARCH 05: Michael Jackson announces plans for Summer residency at the O2 Arena at a press conference held at the O2 Arena on March 5, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Danny Martindale/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Announces Plans For Summer Residency At The O2 Arena
ShareLONDON - MARCH 05: Michael Jackson announces plans for Summer residency at the O2 Arena at a press conference held at the O2 Arena on March 5, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Dies In Los Angeles At Age 50
ShareLOS ANGELES - JUNE 27: The Los Angeles Theater Marquee honours Michael Jackson on June 27, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, 50, the iconic pop star, died after going into cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michal Czerwonka/Getty Images)
Memorial Service For Michael Jackson Draws Thousands Of Fans And Mourners
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 07: Singer Usher performs next to the casket at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, 50, the iconic pop star, died at UCLA Medical Center after going into cardiac arrest at his rented home on June 25 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The World Music Awards – Show
ShareLONDON - NOVEMBER 15: Singer Michael Jackson receives the Diamond Award during the 2006 World Music Awards at Earls Court on November 15, 2006 in London. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Visits Camp Zama U.S. Army Base
ShareZAMA, JAPAN - MARCH 10: U.S. In this handout provided by the US Army, Singer Michael Jackson visits a U.S. Army base, Camp Zama on March 10, 2007 in Zama, Japan. Michael greeted thousands of U.S. troops and their family members at a U.S. Army base located in south of Tokyo, (Photo by U.S. Army/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Visits Camp Zama U.S. Army Base
ShareZAMA, JAPAN - MARCH 10: U.S. In this handout provided by the US Army, Singer Michael Jackson visits a U.S. Army base, Camp Zama on March 10, 2007 in Zama, Japan. Michael greeted thousands of U.S. troops and their family members at a U.S. Army base located in south of Tokyo, (Photo by U.S. Army/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Trial Continues
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - MARCH 1: Pop star Michael Jackson waves to spectators March 1, 2005 as he departs the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Maria, California Jackson's child molestation trial continues today as the defense is expected to finish their opening arguments. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Arraignment on Child Molestation Charges
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - APRIL 30: Singer Michael Jackson leaves the courthouse after his arraignment where he pleaded not guilty to a grand jury indictment of numerous child molestation charges on April 30, 2004 in Santa Maria, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Indicted On Ten Counts
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - APRIL 30: Pop star Michael Jackson and his bodyguard cover the lens of a camera to avoid being filmed as he enters the Santa Maria Courthouse April 30, 2004 in Santa Maria, California. Jackson pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with with ten counts including child molestation, extortion, child abduction, false imprisonment and giving a minor an intoxicating agent. (Photo by Hector Mata-Pool/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Arraigned on Child Molestation Charges
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - JANUARY 16: Pop star Michael Jackson undergoes a security check as he enters the courthouse for his arraignment on child molestation charges January 16, 2004 in Santa Maria, California. Jackson pleaded not guilty to the charges. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian-Pool/Getty Images)
Beyonce’ Knowles, Michael Jackson
ShareLAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 27: (TABLOIDS OUT) Singer Beyonce' Knowles and singer Michael Jackson, winner of the 2003 Humanitarian Award, hug onstage at The 2003 Radio Music Awards at the Aladdin Casino Resort October 27, 2003 in Las Vegas, Neveda. For more information on Jackson's humanitarian efforts, go to musicforgiving.org. (Photos by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Jackson In Berlin To Accept Life Achievement Award
ShareBERLIN - NOVEMBER 19: Singer Michael Jackson holds his eight-month-old son Prince Michael II over the balcony of the Adlon Hotel November 19, 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Jackson is in Berlin with his three children to accept a lifetime achievement award. (Photo by Olaf Selchow/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Testifies At Trial
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Pop star Michael Jackson testifies during his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court on November 15, 2002 in Santa Maria, California. The pop star is being sued for $21 million by his longtime promoter for backing out of two concerts. (Photo by Ed Souza-Pool/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Testifies At Trial
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Musician Michael Jackson autographs for fans as he arrives at his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court November 14, 2002 in Santa Maria, California. The artist is being sued for $21 million by his longtime promoter for backing out of two concerts. (Photo by Ed Souza-Pool/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Testifies At Trial
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Musician Michael Jackson testifies during his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court November 14, 2002 in Santa Maria, California. The artist is being sued for $21 million by his longtime promoter for backing out of two concerts. (Photo by Ed Souza-Pool/Getty Images)
Taping of American Bandstands 50th…A Celebration
Share404248 07: Musician Michael Jackson performs at the taping of "American Bandstands 50th...A Celebration" television special honoring the music show April 20, 2002 in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration
Share394194 10: Singer Michael Jackson and actress Elizabeth Taylor arrive at Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Celebration September 7, 2001 in New York City. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Speaks About Child Welfare in Oxford
Share386375 05: (UK OUT) Pop superstar Michael Jackson walks with the aid of crutches and amidst tight security as he arrives the Oxford Union Debating Society March 6, 2001 in Oxford, England. The singer, 42, was three hours late to speak on the subject of child welfare. In 1993 the singer was accused of child abuse. The charges were later dropped. (Photograph by BWP Media/Newsmakers)
Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas Cowboys v Buffalo Bills
SharePASADENA, CA - JANUARY 31: Michael Jackson performs "Heal the World" during the Halftime show as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII at Rose Bowl on January 31, 1993 in Pasadena, California. The Cowboys won 52-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
MICHAEL JACKSON DANCING DURING HIS HALF-TIME EXTRAVAGANZA.
ShareMICHAEL JACKSON DANCING DURING HIS HALF-TIME EXTRAVAGANZA.
Michael Jackson
Share31 Jan 1993: Entertainer Michael Jackson sings at half-time during the Super Bowl X XVII game between the Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Cowboys won 52-17. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
Michael Jackson – With Pet Snake
Share382639 01: Entertainer Michael Jackson poses with his pet boa constrictor September 15, 1987 in the USA. Jackson, who was the lead singer for the Jackson Five by age eight, reached the peak of his solo career with 1982''s "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time and recipient of eight Grammy awards. (Photo by Liaison)
Michael Jackson In ‘Bad’
SharePopular American musician Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009) (center, without hat) shakes handswith an "Mini Max" played by Wesley Snipes as others watch during the filming of a scene in the long-form music video for his song 'Bad,' directed by Martin Scorsese, New York, New York, November 1986. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson In ‘Bad’
SharePopular American musician Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009) stands in a graffiti-filled subway car during the filming of the long-form music video for his song 'Bad,' directed by Martin Scorsese, New York, New York, November 1986. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
The Jackson Five
ShareMichael Jackson and his brothers, Jackie, Tito, Marlon and Jermaine - the Jackson Five, at Heathrow Airport. (Photo by George Stroud/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson HIStory World Tour
ShareAUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - NOVEMBER 10: Michael Jackson performs on stage during is "HIStory" world tour concert at Ericsson Stadium November 10, 1996 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Announces Plans For Summer Residency At The O2 Arena
ShareLONDON - MARCH 05: Michael Jackson announces plans for Summer residency at the O2 Arena at a press conference held at the O2 Arena on March 5, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Danny Martindale/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Announces Plans For Summer Residency At The O2 Arena
ShareLONDON - MARCH 05: Michael Jackson announces plans for Summer residency at the O2 Arena at a press conference held at the O2 Arena on March 5, 2009 in London, England. (Photo by Tim Whitby/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Dies In Los Angeles At Age 50
ShareLOS ANGELES - JUNE 27: The Los Angeles Theater Marquee honours Michael Jackson on June 27, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, 50, the iconic pop star, died after going into cardiac arrest on June 25, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michal Czerwonka/Getty Images)
Memorial Service For Michael Jackson Draws Thousands Of Fans And Mourners
ShareLOS ANGELES, CA - JULY 07: Singer Usher performs next to the casket at the Michael Jackson public memorial service held at Staples Center on July 7, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. Jackson, 50, the iconic pop star, died at UCLA Medical Center after going into cardiac arrest at his rented home on June 25 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
The World Music Awards – Show
ShareLONDON - NOVEMBER 15: Singer Michael Jackson receives the Diamond Award during the 2006 World Music Awards at Earls Court on November 15, 2006 in London. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Visits Camp Zama U.S. Army Base
ShareZAMA, JAPAN - MARCH 10: U.S. In this handout provided by the US Army, Singer Michael Jackson visits a U.S. Army base, Camp Zama on March 10, 2007 in Zama, Japan. Michael greeted thousands of U.S. troops and their family members at a U.S. Army base located in south of Tokyo, (Photo by U.S. Army/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Visits Camp Zama U.S. Army Base
ShareZAMA, JAPAN - MARCH 10: U.S. In this handout provided by the US Army, Singer Michael Jackson visits a U.S. Army base, Camp Zama on March 10, 2007 in Zama, Japan. Michael greeted thousands of U.S. troops and their family members at a U.S. Army base located in south of Tokyo, (Photo by U.S. Army/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Trial Continues
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - MARCH 1: Pop star Michael Jackson waves to spectators March 1, 2005 as he departs the Santa Barbara County Courthouse in Santa Maria, California Jackson's child molestation trial continues today as the defense is expected to finish their opening arguments. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Arraignment on Child Molestation Charges
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - APRIL 30: Singer Michael Jackson leaves the courthouse after his arraignment where he pleaded not guilty to a grand jury indictment of numerous child molestation charges on April 30, 2004 in Santa Maria, California. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Indicted On Ten Counts
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - APRIL 30: Pop star Michael Jackson and his bodyguard cover the lens of a camera to avoid being filmed as he enters the Santa Maria Courthouse April 30, 2004 in Santa Maria, California. Jackson pleaded not guilty to an indictment charging him with with ten counts including child molestation, extortion, child abduction, false imprisonment and giving a minor an intoxicating agent. (Photo by Hector Mata-Pool/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Arraigned on Child Molestation Charges
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - JANUARY 16: Pop star Michael Jackson undergoes a security check as he enters the courthouse for his arraignment on child molestation charges January 16, 2004 in Santa Maria, California. Jackson pleaded not guilty to the charges. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian-Pool/Getty Images)
Beyonce’ Knowles, Michael Jackson
ShareLAS VEGAS - OCTOBER 27: (TABLOIDS OUT) Singer Beyonce' Knowles and singer Michael Jackson, winner of the 2003 Humanitarian Award, hug onstage at The 2003 Radio Music Awards at the Aladdin Casino Resort October 27, 2003 in Las Vegas, Neveda. For more information on Jackson's humanitarian efforts, go to musicforgiving.org. (Photos by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Jackson In Berlin To Accept Life Achievement Award
ShareBERLIN - NOVEMBER 19: Singer Michael Jackson holds his eight-month-old son Prince Michael II over the balcony of the Adlon Hotel November 19, 2002 in Berlin, Germany. Jackson is in Berlin with his three children to accept a lifetime achievement award. (Photo by Olaf Selchow/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Testifies At Trial
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - NOVEMBER 15: Pop star Michael Jackson testifies during his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court on November 15, 2002 in Santa Maria, California. The pop star is being sued for $21 million by his longtime promoter for backing out of two concerts. (Photo by Ed Souza-Pool/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Testifies At Trial
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Musician Michael Jackson autographs for fans as he arrives at his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court November 14, 2002 in Santa Maria, California. The artist is being sued for $21 million by his longtime promoter for backing out of two concerts. (Photo by Ed Souza-Pool/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Testifies At Trial
ShareSANTA MARIA, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Musician Michael Jackson testifies during his civil trial in Santa Maria Superior Court November 14, 2002 in Santa Maria, California. The artist is being sued for $21 million by his longtime promoter for backing out of two concerts. (Photo by Ed Souza-Pool/Getty Images)
Taping of American Bandstands 50th…A Celebration
Share404248 07: Musician Michael Jackson performs at the taping of "American Bandstands 50th...A Celebration" television special honoring the music show April 20, 2002 in Pasadena, CA. (Photo by Vince Bucci/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson 30th Anniversary Celebration
Share394194 10: Singer Michael Jackson and actress Elizabeth Taylor arrive at Michael Jackson's 30th Anniversary Celebration September 7, 2001 in New York City. (Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson Speaks About Child Welfare in Oxford
Share386375 05: (UK OUT) Pop superstar Michael Jackson walks with the aid of crutches and amidst tight security as he arrives the Oxford Union Debating Society March 6, 2001 in Oxford, England. The singer, 42, was three hours late to speak on the subject of child welfare. In 1993 the singer was accused of child abuse. The charges were later dropped. (Photograph by BWP Media/Newsmakers)
Super Bowl XXVII: Dallas Cowboys v Buffalo Bills
SharePASADENA, CA - JANUARY 31: Michael Jackson performs "Heal the World" during the Halftime show as the Dallas Cowboys take on the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXVII at Rose Bowl on January 31, 1993 in Pasadena, California. The Cowboys won 52-17. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)
MICHAEL JACKSON DANCING DURING HIS HALF-TIME EXTRAVAGANZA.
ShareMICHAEL JACKSON DANCING DURING HIS HALF-TIME EXTRAVAGANZA.
Michael Jackson
Share31 Jan 1993: Entertainer Michael Jackson sings at half-time during the Super Bowl X XVII game between the Buffalo Bills and the Dallas Cowboys at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The Cowboys won 52-17. Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport
Michael Jackson – With Pet Snake
Share382639 01: Entertainer Michael Jackson poses with his pet boa constrictor September 15, 1987 in the USA. Jackson, who was the lead singer for the Jackson Five by age eight, reached the peak of his solo career with 1982''s "Thriller," the best-selling album of all time and recipient of eight Grammy awards. (Photo by Liaison)
Michael Jackson In ‘Bad’
SharePopular American musician Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009) (center, without hat) shakes handswith an "Mini Max" played by Wesley Snipes as others watch during the filming of a scene in the long-form music video for his song 'Bad,' directed by Martin Scorsese, New York, New York, November 1986. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
Michael Jackson In ‘Bad’
SharePopular American musician Michael Jackson (1958 - 2009) stands in a graffiti-filled subway car during the filming of the long-form music video for his song 'Bad,' directed by Martin Scorsese, New York, New York, November 1986. (Photo by Vinnie Zuffante/Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
