Michael Jackson's legacy six years after his death

Michael Jackson, who was just seven-years-old when he began performing the with The Jackson Brothers (who later became the Jackson Five), was only 50 when he died from prescription drug-induced heart failure at his rented Hollywood mansion.

Jacko never got to perform his farewell tour This Is It that year.

But six years after we bid a sad farewell to the King of Pop, here are some of his legacies that live on.

1. Great pop music

From The Jackson Five’s ABC and I Want You Back to pop/rock anthems Bad and Smooth Criminal through to ballads like Earth Song and You Are Not Alone, Michael’s repertoire had it all.

He was born with that beautiful falsetto voice that his father and manager Joseph was so keen to cash in on, but Jacko had a sense of rhythm and an ear for music that just can’t be taught.

With his colourful life, tainted by accusations of child abuse, Michael will be remembered for many things. But there is no denying the strength and influence of his music, which will live on forever.

2. The music video

Michael forged a path for black musicians to have their voice heard in mainstream pop music. When his music wasn’t being played on MTV he decided to make videos they just couldn’t ignore.

With back stories, spectacular visual effects and incredible dance routines Jacko set the bar high for the music video – and few have managed to equal him since.

3. The Moonwalk

Michael had many an admirable dance move. The hip thrust, the heel-toe flick and the head pop, but one stands out a mile above the rest.

From Usher and Justin Timberlake to little boys at school discos and dads at weddings, to impersonators busking in Leicester Square and competing on Britain’s Got Talent, Jacko’s signature move will continue to impress audiences all around the world for many moons to come.

4. Celebrity mania

Michael certainly wasn’t the first star to create a lavish celebrity persona for himself. But he learned from the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley and he blinged it up to a whole new level.

Jacko played up to the crazy rumours that buzzed around him, living a life so crazy it seemed unbelievable.

From pet monkey bubbles to that time he dangled baby Blanket over the balcony of his hotel to show the crowds, no celebrity since has even got close to the extremities of Jacko’s mad world.

5. Neverland

Part of Michael’s crazy persona was his insistence he was just a little boy who didn’t want to grow up. After losing his childhood to a musical career, he tried to reclaim it once he realised the freedom of having his own money.

Obsessed by the story of Peter Pan he bought a mansion and named it Neverland, and filled with toys, funfair rides, zoo animals and even its own railway station. From outside looking in, it seemed like a magical place to live, but as we discovered more and more about Jacko’s dark demons and his financial troubles, the mystery of Neverland has become more ominous.

Howvever, there is still talk of Michael Jackson estate turning it into a memorial park for Jacko, and there are still plenty of fans who would make the pilgrimage to see inside.

6. Justin Timberlake

Falsetto voice, a great sense of rhythm, slick dance moves… ring any bells?

Justin Timberlake grew up admiring Michael and wanting to be just like him. And while we no longer have Jacko to go and see live in concert, we still have JT, and he’s the next best thing.

So RIP Jacko. Your memory lives on