Michael Jackson's death helped us rediscover him

The irony of Michael Jackson, is that it took his death for multitudes of people to realize what a legend he was when he was alive. The weirdness and controversy that plagued the last few years of his life, had overshadowed the electrifying concerts, elaborate music videos and breathtaking dance steps that made him the “King of Pop” in his hey-day.

Once he died and the tribute songs and videos started flowing in however, it was as though he had been rediscovered. Tragically, his death, that occurred exactly three years ago, was possibly the best thing to happen to his career.

People started buying his albums again in earnest, his songs began topping the iTunes charts, and the tribute movie This is It, which documented the rehearsal footage of his planned London concerts, performed exceptionally well at box offices the world over.

And to a generation of music lovers who had grown up to the thick bass beats of his songs and gawking open mouthed each time he pushed the boundaries of choreography and music videos, he was a legend. He was our legend - in much the same way Bob Dylan or Pink Floyd were legends in their own times.

And in tribute on his third death anniversary, this is a selection of some unforgettable Michael moments.

* The opening of the Bucharest Dangerous concert

What other superstar can just stand on a stage doing nothing for two whole minutes while the crowd goes mad around him? Michael Jackson at the peak of his popstardom.

* Interview with Oprah Winfrey in 1993

This first of a kind tell all interview with Oprah Winfrey was emotional and also explosive, as in it Michael revealed for the first time that his father Joseph used to beat them severely as children, and how difficult it was growing up as a child star.

* The 1995 MTV music awards

Best Robot moves. Ever.

* The Thriller music video

This pathbreaking video redefined the way we looked at music videos.

*The 1988 Grammy performance

A lesser known performance, but possibly one of his best ever.