HIGH POINT, N.C. (WGHP) — Michael Jackson would have been 66 years old today.

The Grammy-award-winning singer/songwriter, dancer and philanthropist died of acute propofol intoxication on June 25, 2009, after his physician, Conrad Murray, administered propofol and anti-anxiety benzodiazepines lorazepam and midazolam, supposedly to help Jackson fall asleep.

In Nov. 2011, Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced to four years. He served less than two before being released for good behavior .

Jackson’s death, surrounded by controversy and uncertainty, left a lasting impression on the world, with fans everywhere honoring the singer through vigils, apparel and tribute shows.

Fifteen years later, Jackson is still making HIStory. According to Spotify , Jackson has more than 44 million monthly listeners. Following The Beatles, Jackson is the second best-selling music artist of all time. In his eulogy, Motown founder, Berry Gordy, called Michael “the greatest artist who ever lived.”

Take a look at some historical moments in Jackson’s career and more things to come. Some are right here in North Carolina.

Past

Aug. 29, 1958

Michael Jackson was the eighth of 10 children born in Gary, Indiana to Katherine Esther Scruse and Joseph “Joe” Jackson. His siblings include Rebbie, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, La Toya, Marlon, Brandon—Marlon’s twin who died at birth—Randy and Janet.

1964

Joe Jackson forms The Jackson 5 from sons Michael, Jackie, Tito, Jermaine and Marlon, with 6-year-old Michael singing lead.

Dec. 29, 1970

According to the Greensboro Coliseum , The Jackson 5, including Michael Jackson, performed at the Coliseum. The brothers would return on five other occasions, including a July 10, 1979, performance that drew 14,490 fans.

1971

Jackson went solo, later releasing the singles “Rockin’ Robin,” “I Wanna Be Where You Are” and “Got to Be There.”

Oct. 24, 1978

Jackson made his film debut as Scarecrow in “The Wiz,” starring alongside Diana Ross, the lead singer of The Supremes.

Feb. 27, 1980

Jackson won his first Grammy award, snagging Best R&B Vocal Performance, Male for “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough.”

July 25, 1981

Michael Jackson and The Jacksons performed at Charlotte Coliseum, which is now known as Bojangles Coliseum.

Nov. 30, 1982

Michael Jackson released “Thriller,” full of Billboard Hot 100 chart-toppers, including the title track, “Beat It” and “Billie Jean.” Each single released reached Billboard’s Top 10.

Feb. 28, 1984

Jackson broke Grammy Award history , becoming the first artist to win eight Grammys in one night.

Nov. 20, 1984

Jackson is rewarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6927 Hollywood Blvd. in Los Angeles.

Jan. 31, 1993

After the Super Bowl was counterprogrammed by “In Living Color” the previous year, Michael Jackson performed the halftime show at Super Bowl XXVII. At the time, Guinness estimated it to be one of the most-watched television broadcasts of all time with 133.4 million viewers in the United States and 1.3 billion viewers worldwide.

Present

Oct. 26, 2009

“Michael Jackson’s This Is It” is released in theaters. The documentary showed Jackson’s preparation leading up to This Is It, a concert residency he called his “final curtain call.”

2018

According to The Memorabilia Club , a pair of socks worn by Jackson when he debuted the iconic moonwalk in 1983 sold for $2 million at an auction in 2018.

June 13, 2024

Days before the anniversary of Jackson’s death, the Carolina Theatre in Greensboro hosted a free, one-time tribute screening of “Michael Jackson’s This Is It.”

Future

Feb. 18, 2025

Four-time Tony Award winner “MJ: The Musical” will show at the Steven Tanger Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are currently only available to season seat members of the First Bank Broadway, 2024-25 Season.

MJ Live , a tribute concert, will be held in Myrtle Beach on Sept. 22 at 7 p.m.

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