MICHAEL JACKSON 1958-2009

He was King of Pop in the 1980s on the basis of his mega-selling albums of that era (1979's "Off the Wall, 1982's "Thriller," and 1987's "Bad"), the hit singles and ground-breaking music videos spawned by those albums, and his signature "moonwalk" dance steps.

Since then, Michael Jackson's career faltered as his private live grew weirder. By the time of his shocking death today at age 50, he was more often in the public eye for his bizarre eccentricities than for great music.

But Michael Jackson's R&B/pop masterpieces (for which credit goes also to his producer Quincy Jones) live on in his recordings. And nowhere more so than at wedding receptions.

To this day -- over two decades after their release -- Michael Jackson's 80's hits remain THE most popular and powerful songs in a wedding DJ's repertoire. By "powerful," I refer to their power to pull people onto the dance floor.

Rarely do I deejay an event without playing at least one of the following: "Billie Jean," "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough," "P.Y.T.," "Wanna Be Startin' Somethin,' "Thriller," or "The Way You Make Me Feel." If I don't play some M.J. on my own, you can bet the guests will request one. Or more than one. And people don't just dance to these tunes. They greet them with squeals of delight.

So although his life has ended with his public image forever tarnished, his music shines on.