How did Michael Jackson die? Tributes pour in as legendary KABC radio host passes away at 87 

Late legendary radio presenter, Michael Jackson (Image via C-Span)
Late legendary radio presenter, Michael Jackson (Image via C-Span)

On Saturday, January 15, KABC Radio host Michael Jackson passed away at 87 at his Los Angeles home. News of his demise was confirmed to Variety by the late radio presenter's long-term friend Lyle Gregory. A statement from KABC radio's official website read:

"Jackson was a leader in the advent of the talk radio format- and KABC Radio. We honor his memory and extend condolences to his family."

Michael Robin Jackson has been associated with Los Angeles-based ABC's KABC radio for over 32 years. The late radio host was also inducted into the Radio Hall of Fame in 2003. Jackson is survived by his children - Alan, Alissa, Devon, and five grandchildren.


Michael Jackson's cause of death

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As per reports, Jackson had Parkinson's disease (PD) for over a decade. According to Lyle Gregory's statement to Variety, the 87-year-old passed away peacefully in his sleep. While the leading cause of death for PD patients is aspiration pneumonia, Jackson's death has not been confirmed to be linked with Parkinson's complications.


Condolences rush in for the late KABC radio presenter Michael R. Jackson

Multiple tweets acknowledged Jackson's contributions as a radio host. Several people also commented on their experiences of listening to Michael's show on the radio.


Exploring Michael Jackson's legacy in radio

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Jackson was born in London in 1934 and moved to South Africa after World War II. In South Africa, he dabbled as a radio jockey. His family moved to the US in 1958 after being dismayed by the apartheid system, which was still prevalent in South Africa.

Prior to his career in LA as a radio host, Michael Jackson worked in San Francisco's KYA radio station and Oakland's KYA in the early 1960s. As a radio presenter, Michael garnered fame during his overnight program at KYA, where he used to chat with listeners and often comforted depressed callers. This led to him being featured in a Time magazine article which boosted his popularity.

Michael Robin Jackson worked in KHJ-AM followed by CBS' KNX-AM news station before joining ABC-affiliated KABC radio station in 1966. His show on KABC was on air till 1998. Jackson interviewed thousands of people, including (former) US Presidents like Carter, Reagan, Clinton, and both Bush(es).