MAYBE we shouldn't be surprised that Michael Jackson died under suspicious circumstances and that his resident doctor is now being investigated for overdosing the frail mega star with prescription drugs.

MAYBE we shouldn't be surprised that Michael Jackson died under suspicious circumstances and that his resident doctor is now being investigated for overdosing the frail mega star with prescription drugs.

Controversy always surrounded Whacko Jacko. His bizarre lifestyle, youth fetish, vast fortunes and sexual and racial confusion was obviously bound to grab the media spotlight.

But say what you will about his peccadilloes, there can be no doubt that the King of Pop forever changed popular music - and the role black people play in it and all other popular arts.

Jackson was the master of spectacle. His larger-than-life shows, falsetto warbles, unequalled dance moves and non-threatening persona wowed fans from Lagos to London - and finally broke the barriers to stardom that had always plagued black performers.

After 50 hard years we hope Michael finally rests in peace.