Happy Birthday, Michael Jackson!

The late Michael Jackson would have been 53 today.

As the greatest entertainer of his era, one can see why his music and legacy continue to spark so much passion among generations of fans young and old.

The commemoration of his August 29 birthday has, for the third straight year, sparked tributes to the music icon from Gary, Ind., who died in June 2009.

Michael Jackson (1958-2009).

Chances are, you know most if not all there is to know about MJ - from his unmatched catalog to his personal eccentricities to the charges facing Dr. Conrad Murray.

But it's still sad he's gone, especially today. One can only hope he'll be remembered more than anything for his talent and his three wonderful, well-raised children.

Happy birthday to others turning another year older today, such as Glee's Lea Michele. Now, here is a little photo tribute to Michael Jackson ...

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