Life in pictures: Michael Jackson

Michael Jackson in Santa Maria, California (15 March 2005)

Singer Michael Jackson, known to millions as the King of Pop and one of the most successful recording artists of all time, has died in Los Angeles at the age of 50.

Jackson made his debut on the music scene when he was still a child, performing with his brothers as the group The Jackson Five.

The Jackson Five. Michael Jackson (centre) and his brothers. Photo: 1970

His high-pitched vocals on songs like ABC, as well as his unique dance moves, won Jackson (centre) legions of fans.

In the 1980s, his solo performances saw him become a dominant figure in pop music, with a string of mega-hits such as Thriller.

As Jacko-mania reaches fever pitch, tabloid stories about the secretive King of Pop begin to circulate, including rumours that he had undergone plastic surgery and skin bleaching.

Lisa Marie Presley and Michael Jackson (06/09/1994)

In May 1994, Jackson married Lisa Marie Presley, daughter of the singer, Elvis. They separated after 19 months, with Presley later saying she was "not proud" of the marriage.

Michael Jackson and Debbie Rowe (19 February 1997)

In 1996, Jackson announced that his former dermatologist, Debbie Rowe, was expecting his child. The couple married 10 days later and had two children together before divorcing in 1999.

Michael Jackson dangles his son, Prince Michael II, from a hotel balcony in Berlin (19 November 2002)

Rowe gave custody of the children to Jackson. He also had a third child by an unknown woman. There was an outcry in November 2002 when he was pictured dangling his young son, Prince Michael II, out of a Berlin hotel window.

Jackson outside a court in California. Photo: 2005

Jackson's later career was dogged by child abuse allegations. In 1994 the singer reached an out-of-court settlement with the family of an 11-year-old boy. In 2005 he faced a child abuse trial - but was cleared of all charges.

Jackson was due to start a series of comeback concerts in London next month. Tickets for the 50 shows were sold within hours of going on sale in March.

Jackson’s career record sales tally is believed to be more than 750 million. He also received 13 Grammy Awards.

Michael Jackson leaves a medical clinic in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, America.

There had been concerns about Jackson’s health in recent years, including reports of skin cancer. He was pictured leaving a medical clinic in Beverly Hills earlier in June.