Remembering Michael Jackson on his 55th birthday
Michael Jackson would have been 55 years old today, Aug. 29, 2013.
The singer, who died on June 25, 2009, at age 50, left behind a legacy of music that still inspires artists today. One listen to Justin Timberlake's new hit, "Take Back the Night," and the King of Pop is sure to come to mind.
To pay tribute to late singer on what would have been his 55th birthday, his official website is asking fans to create Instagram videos in which they share ideas "for making the world a better place" with the hashtag #MJWeAreOne. There's also a map that will plot the Instagram birthday wishes. Dubbed the first-ever "Michael Jackson We Are One Worldwide Birthday Celebration," the initiative is organized by the estate of Michael Jackson, along with Cirque du Soleil, which is hosting a special performance today at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino Las Vegas.
Jackson is also being remembered with a block party in his hometown of Gary, Ind., in front of the Jackson family's address, 2300 Jackson Street. Local bands, cheerleading squads, singers, dancers, speakers and gospel choirs will be on hand for the three-day celebration Last year, some of Jackson family, including his children, traveled to Gary to help celebrate what would have been the singer's 54th birthday.
Meanwhile, we could be hearing some unreleased music from Jackson at some point soon. Timbaland recently unveiled a mysterious new teaser video suggesting as much. In the segment, the producer talks about "two kings working together" as photos of what appears to be Jackson flash in and out of the clip. Jackson's name is never mentioned, but if one were to put the puzzle pieces together, it could mean something is in the works.
