He was given the nickname the "King of Pop" -- a spin on Elvis Presley's status as "the King of Rock 'n' Roll" -- and few questioned the moniker.

CNN: Michael Jackson, pop music legend, dead at 50

Was this eccentric "King" aspiring to be the son-in-law of "The King, " Elvis Presley?

CNN: Michael Jackson in the headlines

That got him small, dark roles (he beat up Elvis Presley in King Creole, took a shot at Audrey Hepburn in Charade) until Wilder and Simon put him above the title.

CNN: ASIANOW - TIME Asia | Milestones