Music fans across the globe on Friday marked the first anniversary of the death of the legendary Michael Jackson.
The so-called King of Pop died suddenly at the age of 50 on June 25, 2009, in Los Angeles. His death was attributed to an overdose of a powerful anesthetic (propofol). The doctor who administered the drug (Conrad Murray) is facing criminal charges (involuntary manslaughter) in connection with Jackson's death.
Also, Jackson' father filed a wrongful death lawsuit Friday, accusing the Nevada doctor of lying to the doctors and paramedics trying to save the singer's life.
At New York's Apollo Theater on Friday, Jackson's music blared from loudspeakers as fans danced in the streets.
His music could also be heard on the streets of Gary, Indiana, Jackson's hometown, where his mother (Katherine) and his children (Prince, Paris and Blanket) unveiled a Michael Jackson monument.
And at the Los Angeles cemetery where Jackson was buried (Forest Lawn) hundreds paid tribute to the dead singer.
In Tokyo, the Japanese capital, 50 devout Jackson fans paid more than $1,000 each to spend a night in the Tokyo Tower with the singer's possessions. The Neverland Collection, named for Jackson's California ranch, is the only official Michael Jackson exhibition outside the United States.
Jackson's death came as he was preparing for s series of London concerts as part of a musical comeback. It is estimated that sales of his music and films have generated at least $1 billion in the year since he died.
