Yesterday evening, the LA Times and Associated Press announced that the icon died after suffering a heart attack and failed attempts by paramedics and doctors to revive him at his home and at the hospital.

The "King of Pop" made his debut at the age of 11 as a member of The Jackson 5 and began a solo career in 1971 while still a member of the group. Five of his solo studio albums have become some of the world's best-selling records: Off the Wall (1979), Thriller (1982), Bad (1987), Dangerous (1991) and HIStory (1995).

In recent years, aspects of his personal life have caused much controversy and damaged his public image, including multiple accusations of child sexual abuse and countless plastic surgery procedures.

Regardless of this, he was undeniably an incredibly talented man who has been cited as one of the world's most famous men. He was one of the few artists to have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice. He also broke multiple Guinness World Records — including one for Most Successful Entertainer of All Time. He won 13 Grammy Awards, had 13 number one singles in his solo career and sold over 750 million albums worldwide.

He was a part of popular culture for almost forty years and it's no doubt his music will be heard by people for generations to come.