The ‘King of Pop’ Michael Jackson died at the age of 50 Thursday June 25, 2009 after experiencing a cardiac arrest. The singer was taken from his rented home in Beverly Hills California to Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, but the team of physicians could not revive the singer.
Michael lived in Bahrain in 2005-2007 as a guest of Bahrain’s King son Shaykh Abdallah Bin Hamad Al Khalifah. Jackson had chosen Bahrain since his brother, Jermaine, was living there after becoming a Muslim. Jermaine had convinced Michael to visit Bahrain and to see that it provides a secure and safe haven away from the eyes of the media.
According to the London based Elaph, Michael found an escape in Bahrain from the media that was following his every move, especially after the child molestation charges, which he was acquitted of.
Shaykh Abdallah Bin Hamad Al Khalifah’s invitation to Michael included a business contract to have him work as a music consultant to a music production company that is situated in the Middle East. After signing the contract, things did not go as smoothly as planned and Michael left Bahrain in 2007 heading for the United States, leading Shaykh Abdallah to file a lawsuit against the singer for 7 million dollars in compensation for breaking the contract, but the two sideds reached an agreement and amicably settled their dispute.
Despite living for over a year and a half in Bahrain, not once did Bahrainis get the chance to meet the ‘King of Pop’ due to strict security that accompanied the singer where ever he went.
While living in Bahrain, the one thing that Bahrainis remember most of the late singer is his disguise when in public with his children. Michael used to dress in traditional Bahraini women clothing that covers his entire body, head and face. When in public he would also cover his children’s faces with a black scarf.
Michael’s career began at age 5 singing with his brothers. He had numerous number one hits. His most popular album ‘Thriller’, which sold over 50 million copies around the world, which is considered to be the highest selling record of all time. Jackson is situated alongside Elvis Presley and the Beatles as the biggest pop sensations of all time, and will be remembered.
