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Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Michael Jackson died of cardiac arrest at age 50 on June 25, 2009, sending shockwaves around the world. Look back at photos from his illustrious career.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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The Jackson 5 perform on a TV show circa 1969. From left, Tito Jackson, Marlon Jackson, Michael Jackson, Jackie Jackson and Jermaine Jackson.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Michael Jackson quickly became the standout star of the family group. Here he performs onstage circa 1970.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Michael Jackson poses during a portrait session in Los Angeles in 1971.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Michael Jackson performs with The Jacksons in New Orleans on October 3, 1979.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Jackson achieved superstardom with his solo career in the 1980s. Here Jackson is shown onstage in Kansas in 1983.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Michael Jackson performs onstage circa 1990.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Jackson broke a world record during the Bad tour in 1988, when 504,000 people attended seven sold-out shows at Wembley Stadium in London.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Jackson performs in concert circa 1991 in New York.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Known for his dance moves, Jackson is seen here jumping while performing during the Dangerous tour in 1992.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
redferns/getty images
Jackson performs in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Jackson performs with his brothers.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Jackson performs during the Bad tour at Wembley Stadium in London.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Jackson performs during the taping of "American Bandstand's 50th: A Celebration" in 2002.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Michael Jackson earned the Legend Award during the MTV Video Music Awards in Tokyo in 2006.

Photos: Michael Jackson: King of Pop
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Jackson is seen in a photo provided by AEG Live on June 23, 2009, two days before his death, rehearsing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.