Remembering Michael Jackson

It's safe to say there will never be another pop artist quite like Michael Jackson. Always pushing the creative boundaries of music, dance, video, live performance, and fashion, MJ's influence transcends genre, generation and geography. To celebrate the late icon's incredible legacy we've put together some of our favorite Michael moments and hope you'll share yours with us in the comments below.

At age eight, Michael began sharing lead vocal duties with older brother Jermaine in the family band the Jackson Brothers, an early incarnation of The Jackson 5.

The Jackson brothers pose with commemorative copies of their 'Third Album' to mark a milestone in sales.

The Jackson 5 shot to fame in the early '70s with a string of No. 1 hits including "I Want You Back," "ABC" and "I'll Be There."

Michael became the lead vocalist for The Jackson 5 and was immediately the fan favorite of the group.

Michael with his childhood pet dog in an at-home portrait session.

Michael with a six-year-old Janet Jackson, who would go on to become an icon in her own right. The two remained extremely close throughout Michael's life.

A young Michael poses at the Jackson family's Los Angeles home.

The Jackson 5 pose for a photo during a publicity tour in Jamaica.

Michael poses with a Kermit the Frog toy in a photo shoot for 'Right On!' magazine.

In 1978 a 20-year-old Michael starred as Scarecrow in Motown's musical film 'The Wiz,' a retelling of 'The Wizard of Oz' featuring an entirely African-American cast. Diana Ross starred as Dorothy in the film.

Despite a decline in popularity in the late '70s, The Jacksons (formerly The Jackson 5) continued successfully touring around the world. Michael soon hit it solo releasing his adult solo debut 'Off The Wall' in 1979.

Despite the success of 'Off The Wall,' Michael wanted to make an even bigger impact with his next album. 1982's 'Thriller' has since gone on to become the best-selling album of all time.

Michael films the video for "Beat It," the third single (and second No. 1) off the incredibly successful 'Thriller' album.

Michael brought date Brooke Shields and friend Emmanuel Lewis to The 26th Annual GRAMMY Awards in 1984, where 'Thriller' swept the ceremony winning Jackson a record 8 GRAMMY Awards in one night.

Michael was on top of the world in 1984 but still made time to surprise the most important woman in his life, his mother Katherine, at her birthday party.

Despite solo success Michael joined his brothers once more in 1984 for their final tour as a group, the Victory Tour.

MJ joined his brothers on the Victory Tour, performing the group's classic hits, but also had the chance to showcase his successful solo material for live audiences.

Michael Jackson's popularity continued to grow rapidly around the world.

Famous for his extensive collection of exotic animals, Michael poses with a pet boa constrictor in this 1987 photo.

The Bad Tour was Michael's first solo world tour, spanning 16 months and 15 countries.

The Bad Tour was wildly successful, garnering the Guinness World Records title for largest grossing tour in history (at the time).

In 1991 Madonna was invited to perform "Sooner or Later" from her film 'Dick Tracy' at The 63rd Annual Academy Awards. She surprised everyone when she showed up with Michael Jackson as her date to the awards ceremony.

Michael set out on his Dangerous World Tour in June 1992 in Germany, with all profits to be donated to various charities.

Despite having to cut the tour a month early due to personal illness, the Dangerous tour still ran for over a year, hitting many countries throughout Europe, Asia and South America.

Although the Dangerous World Tour never made it to the U.S., Michael performed at Super Bowl XXVII in January 1993. Thanks to MJ, this became the first time the Super Bowl audience increased during the halftime show.

It was a touching moment when Michael was presented the GRAMMY Legend Award by younger sister Janet Jackson at The 35th Annual GRAMMY Awards.

Michael Jackson performs at the 12th Annual MTV Movie Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

At the 12th annual VMAs, Michael invited former Guns N' Roses guitarist Slash to perform with him during "Black or White" and "Billie Jean."

Michael caused pandemonium in the streets when he shot the video for "They Don't Care About Us" in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

in September 1996 Michael set out on his HIStory World Tour, which would end up being his last, and most successful, world tour.

The HIStory World Tour hit 58 countries, lasting just over a year and beating Jackson's previous record-breaking Bad World Tour audience numbers.

Former South African President Nelson Mandela greets Michael in 1999 at a press conference in Cape Town, South Africa, announcing Michael's latest humanitarian project.

Usher and comedian Chris Tucker join MJ on stage during his two-night 30th Anniversary Special at New York's Madison Square Garden in 2001.

Justin Timberlake performs with Michael on stage during his two-night 30th Anniversary Special at New York's Madison Square Garden in 2001.

Michael performs his hit "The Way You Make Me Feel" with Britney Spears during his two-night 30th Anniversary Special at New York's Madison Square Garden in 2001.

After the September 11 tragedies, Michael helped organize the United We Stand: What More Can I Give benefit concert in Washington D.C. Michael performed alongside artists like Mariah Carey, Usher, Destiny's Child, *NSYNC, Mya, and more.

Michael is joined by guitarist Dave Navarro for a performance at the Democratic National Committee benefit concert at New York's Apollo Theater in 2002.

In one of his last public appearances Michael held a press conference in London to announce his upcoming This Is It summer residency at London's O2 Arena.