Unless you’ve been totally isolated from society, you’ve already heard that Michael Joseph Jackson died on June 25th, 2009 of a heart attack. His icon is like currency, something that’s been exchanged between people across the world for almost five generations, for the purpose of both enjoyment and ridicule. On a global scale, not everyone may be able to recognize a photo of Barack Obama, or Mahmoud Ahmadinejad – but you’d be hard-pressed to find a majority that does not recognize the King of Pop.

Jackson first rose to fame as the youngest brother and lead singer in the Jackson 5 at the tender age of 11. His transition to a solo artist started slowly with a string of albums released while still a member of the Jackson 5. His first taste of solo fame came with the release of Off the Wall in 1979, followed by Thriller (with help from Quincy Jones and Rod Temperton) in 1982 – a seminal record that remains, to this very day, the best-selling album of all time. His overall discography (albums and singles) is vast and varied.

What has happened between then and now is less desirable; in fact, the shine of Jackson’s star has been dulled for quite some time. Not in his fame, of course, but in a diminished reputation, as child molestation tends to tarnish any previously-high character perceptions. 2001’s Invincible followed a period of relative isolation for most of the late 1990s, an album that was preceded the month before by a huge 30th Anniversary Celebration at Madison Square Garden. Monetary hemorrhaging and more child molestations charges followed this brief comeback, however, and Jackson more or less returned to life out of the spotlight until 2009.

At the time of his death, Jackson had been preparing for his 50-date This Is It comeback tour, in London – a tour that grossed $85 million in ticket sales. To say that this tour was “much-anticipated” would be a ridiculous understatement: the world was eager and ready to see Jackson emerge from isolation and bring us back to the classic MJ that we used to know and love.

In honor of MJ, here a few favorite videos. Additionally, YouTube has put up a special Michael Jackson spotlight, with tons of classic videos, coverage of yesterday’s events, and fan tributes.

“I Want You Back” (Jackson 5) on the Ed Sullivan Show:

“Billie Jean,” at “Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, and Forever” in 1983:

“Thriller”

MJ’s medley performance at the Super Bowl in 1993:

“Will You Be There” (from Free Willy)