London: Special: Remembering Michael Jackson
'King of Pop' Michael Jackson has become the most downloaded artist of all time and is most popular in India, according to a new report.
The Thriller hitmaker, who died of a drug overdose aged 50 last June, is the world's most popular solo star, ahead of the likes of Lady Gaga, Elvis Presley, the Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna according to download records from Nokia's Ovi Music Store.
Musicologist Geoff Roberts believes the singer's birthday which is today could be responsible for an increase in his popularity, Contactmusic reported.
"Michael Jackson has always been a pop music legend. But the anniversary of his death and upcoming birthday celebrations seem to have revived Jackson fever as fans rediscover his songs - making him the most popular solo artist of all time," Roberts said.
Jackson is most popular in India where he accounts for 26 per cent of the country's entire Ovi downloads, followed by the UK, Germany, Netherlands and Finland.
His 1982 single Beat It is the most popular track at the Ovi store, with Billie Jean and Thriller close behind.
Meanwhile Jackson's hometown of Gary, Indiana, will mark his birthday with a party outside his childhood home.
'King of Pop' Michael Jackson has become the most downloaded artist of all time and is most popular in India, according to a new report.
The Thriller hitmaker, who died of a drug overdose aged 50 last June, is the world's most popular solo star, ahead of the likes of Lady Gaga, Elvis Presley, the Black Eyed Peas and Rihanna according to download records from Nokia's Ovi Music Store.
"Michael Jackson has always been a pop music legend. But the anniversary of his death and upcoming birthday celebrations seem to have revived Jackson fever as fans rediscover his songs - making him the most popular solo artist of all time," Roberts said.
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His 1982 single Beat It is the most popular track at the Ovi store, with Billie Jean and Thriller close behind.
Meanwhile Jackson's hometown of Gary, Indiana, will mark his birthday with a party outside his childhood home.
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