Nation Mourns Michael Jackson's Death

LOS ANGELES - The day began with word of Farrah Fawcett's death after a long battle with cancer, and then, word of Michael Jackson's sudden death in Los Angeles spread quickly across the world.

He was rushed to a Los Angeles hospital Thursday afternoon after paramedics were called to his home. Jackson collapsed at his home in Los Angeles Thursday afternoon.

When paramedics arrived, he was reportedly not breathing. They, as well as his personal physician, performed CPR before rushing him to the UCLA Medical Center.

He was pronounced dead at the hospital.

It is believed he may have suffered cardiac arrest, however, an autopsy will be performed to determine cause of death. Thursday evening his body was transported to the L. A. County Coroner's Office.

Michael's brother, Jermaine Jackson, spoke on behalf of the family.

"A team of doctors, including emergency personnel at the hospital, attempted to resuscitate for one hour but were unsuccessful," Jermaine said.

Outside of the hospital, large crowds gathered, and fans paid tribute to the music icon.

"There is a sense of sadness. As much as we're all gathered here, there is a quiet in the air also. I think we are kind of lamenting his loss," said. "This is equivalent to Elvis passing, my goodness, this is a modern day Elvis passing. It's just horrible. He gave us 50 great years with great music."

In Harlem at the Apollo Theatre there were more Michael tributes.

"Michael Jackson was a trailblazer, to say an icon would only give these young people in Harlem a fraction of what he was. He was a historic figure," Civil Rights Leader Rev. Al Sharpton said.

Outside of the Belair home Michael had been renting, fans gathered and left flowers beside the gate.

Michael's career started in the 1960s as the youngest member of the Jackson Five. He earned the unofficial title King of Pop after rising to superstardom in the 1980s.

At one stage of his career, he was without question the biggest entertainer in the music business. However, his star faded in the 90s after a series of scandals, including allegations of improper relations with minors.

In 2005, he was acquitted on charges of child molestation.

At the time of his death, Michael was preparing to resurrect his career, getting ready for a major concert tour which was to begin next month in London.

Michael Joseph Jackson (August 29, 1958 – June 25, 2009) was an American recording artist and entertainer. The seventh child of the Jackson family, he debuted on the professional music scene at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Referred to as the "King of Pop" in subsequent years, his 1982 Thriller is the world's best-selling record of all time and four other solo studio albums are also among the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).

Source: Kristv