Michael Jackson Dies at 50

Although Jackson never again approached the sales stratosphere of "Thriller," the follow-up albums "Bad" and "Dangerous" reached No. 1 on the pop chart in 1987 and 1991, respectively. So did the 1995 compilation of hits and new material, "HIStory: Past, Present and Future-Book 1." In the years since, Jackson's star lost some of its luster in the wake of child molestation charges (he was exonerated in a trial), two divorces and financial problems. Even so, there's no denying Jackson's enduring influence. He set a new standard for video aesthetics and stage productions, and his music continues to be sampled by hip-hop artists.

At the time of Jackson's death, he was reported to be working on a new album with contemporary songwriter/producers like Akon, RedOne and others anxious to work with the legendary talent.

Jackson reportedly had numerous health woes, including severe back problems, which plagued him during his 2005 trial. His weight dropped to about 105 pounds in 2005, according to some sources.

In late 2008, Jackson biographer Ian Halperin claimed the pop star suffers from Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, a potentially fatal genetic illness, as well as emphysema and gastrointestinal bleeding. Halperin also told various sources that Jackson could barely speak and was 95% blind in his left eye.

Jackson and his representatives at the time vigorously denied these claims. In the run-up to his planned 2009 series of concerts in London, rumors surfaced that Jackson was suffering from skin cancer, a claim denied by the concert promoter AEG Live. "He's as healthy as he can be-no health problems whatsoever," AEG Live CEO Randy Phillips told CNN. Phillips also said Jackson had passed a stringent physical exam before signing a deal to perform the concerts.