Michael Jackson was seen as a role model who helped break down racial barriers in America for Keith Rich burg, a black boy growing up in the 1970s. Jackson's sudden death in June 2009 caused widespread praise for the singer and his 1982 "Thriller" album, the best-selling of all time. While Jackson had past personal scandals, in death fans focused more on remembering him as the iconic "King of Pop" who had been a famous celebrity for nearly 40 years that many boys and girls looked up to. Thousands of fans respectfully paid tribute to Jackson in Los Angeles after his death.

1. Michael
Jackson
Junair/Mr.Dawson

2. Role model
As a black boy
growing up in the
1970s, Keith Rich
burg saw Jackson as
a role model who
helped to break
down America's race
barriers.

3. Icon
Jackson's sudden June
25 death caused an
outpouring of praise for
the singer, whose 1982
"Thriller" album is the
best-selling of all time with
estimated sales of 50
million copies. In death,
Jackson's personal scandals
no longer seemed so
important to his fans and
those caught up in the
moment.

4. Known
How to Remember and
Respect Michael Jackson
as the "King of Pop".
Michael Jackson has been
a famous celebrity icon in
our lives for nearly 40
years most boys and girls
look up to him.From the
song THRILLER!

5. Respectful
Thousands of MICHAEL
JACKSON fans have turned
the King of Pop's farewell
into a sombre, respectful
event after quietly filing
into tribute venues in Los
Angeles.
Jackson Michael