- Title: FILE: Michael Jackson's death marks fifth anniversary
- Date: 25th June 2014
- Summary: LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, UNITED STATES (FILE - APRIL 29, 2013) (BILL ROBLES - MUST COURTESY AND NO RESALE) VARIOUS SKETCHES OF KATHERINE JACKSON IN COURT
- Embargoed: 10th July 2014 13:00
- Keywords:
- Location: Usa
- Country: USA
- Topics: Entertainment
- Reuters ID: LVACGEQ0O41RYRF2UU5X9BSRUHRE
- Story Text: Wednesday (June 25) marks the fifth anniversary of Michael Jackson's untimely death, but the "King of Pop's" career lives on with a new studio album, music video's and a Las Vegas show that pays tribute to Jackson's undying star power.
New material from the late singer hit the airwaves this past May as fans saw the release of the first single from Jackson's posthumous album.
"Love Never Felt So Good," originally written and recorded by Jackson in 1983, was the debut single for "Xscape," which was released by Epic Records in partnership with Jackson's estate.
The song featured singer Justin Timberlake, who appears in the video along with archival footage of Jackson.
The album features eight previously unreleased songs from Jackson that were recorded between 1983 and 1999.
The relative success of the album is a testament to Jackson, who died of an overdose of the powerful surgical anesthetic propofol and a cocktail of other sedatives on June 25, 2009 at the age of 50, while getting ready for a series of comeback concerts in London.
Over the past 5 years, drama and controversy would surround Jackson's death.
Conrad Murray, the singer's personal physician, was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for administering the powerful anesthetic propofol, which was used to help the Jackson sleep.
A 40 billion dollar (USD) civil trial followed that saw the singer's family seeking to hold AEG Live, the promoters of the never-realized series of 2009 London concerts, liable for the wrongful death of the "Thriller" singer.
Jackson's immediate family, led by mother Katherine, accused AEG Live of negligence in hiring Conrad Murray.
A jury would eventually clear the promoters after a sensational five-month trial that offered a glimpse into the private life and final days of the "King of Pop."
Meanwhile, Jackson's estate has thrived since the singer's death, resulting in a financial turnaround after legal troubles stemming from child molestation charges had financially damaged Jackson's net worth.
The estate is expected to continue to outperform in the years ahead with deals in the works for additional albums and the popular Cirque du Soleil Las Vegas shows. - Copyright Holder: FILE REUTERS (CAN SELL)
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