Michael Jackson, the “King of Pop” who once moonwalked above the music world, died Thursday as he prepared for a comeback bid to vanquish nightmare years of sexual scandal and financial calamity. He was 50.

“It is believed he suffered cardiac arrest in his home. However, the cause of his death is unknown until results of the autopsy are known,” his brother Jermaine said. Police said they were investigating, standard procedure in high-profile cases.

Across the country, people reacted in stunned disbelief Thursday as word spread that Michael Jackson had collapsed and died.

Outside the hospital, as news spread that Jackson had died, Seth Casteel pulled out an iPod and began playing Jackson’s song “Heal the World” at full volume.

As the crowd at the hospital increased by the minute, police and security officers in plainclothes quickly blocked off entrances. When word spread that a news conference was scheduled for a hospital auditorium hundreds of people tried to rush in and police had to quickly shut it down.

If you ever look behind
And don’t like what you find
There’s one thing you should know
You’ve got a place to go

Rest in peace, Michael …

Green Acres is an American television series starring Eddie Albert and Eva Gabor as a couple who move from New York City to a farm in the country. Produced by Filmways, Inc. as a sister show to Petticoat Junction, the series was originally broadcast on CBS from September 15, 1965 to April 27, 1971.

Green Acres Lyrics

Green acres is the place for me.
Farm livin’ is the life for me.
Land spreadin’ out so far and wide
Keep Manhattan, just give me that countryside.

New York is where I’d rather stay.
I get allergic smelling hay.
I just adore a penthouse view.
Dah-ling I love you but give me Park Avenue.

…The chores.
…The stores.
…Fresh air.
…Times Square

You are my wife.
Good bye, city life.
Green Acres we are there.

“Green Acres” by Vic Mizzy