World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

• World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

  Arthur Ashe 1943-1993 - Arthur Ashe was a phenomenal tennis player and a thoughtful humanitarian. Ashe received a tennis scholarship to UCLA in 1963, and by 1975 was the No. 1 tennis player in the world. He won three grand slam tournaments andchampioned social causes until his death. Today, the U.S. Open is played at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Greg Gibson, AP

• World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

  Freddie Mercury 1946-1991 - Fredie Mercury was a British pop superstar and lead singer of the group, Queen, which was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2000. Mercury, an Indian of Parsi descent, was a brilliant songwriter credited with iconic anthems such as "Bohemian Rhapsody," "Somebody to Love," and "We Are the Champions." Getty

• World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

  Eazy E 1963-1995 - Eazy-E (born Eric Lynn Wright) was one of the architects of gangsta rap and co-founder of record label Ruthless, which spawned the careers of Dr. Dre, Ice Cube and Bone Thugs n Harmony. His first rap group, NWA, shot to fame with their raw lyrics and always courted controversy, especially with their hit, "F-k the Police." Retna

• World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

  Rock Hudson 1925-1985 - Rock Hudson was one of the most famous leading men of the 1950's and '60s, appearing in over 70 major motion pictures. He was also one of the first persons of prominence to announce that he had AIDS, bringing attention to what had previously been a little known disease. ZUMA Press

• World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

  Gene Anthony Ray 1962-2003 - Dancer and actor Gene Anthony Ray is best known as the corn-rowed street dude, Leroy, a dancer in 'Fame,' both the film and the TV series. Although not classically trained before appearing in the show, he did laterattend the real High School of the Performing Arts for a time. Retna Ltd.

• World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

  Ryan White 1971-1990 - Ryan White, a hemophiliac from Indiana is best known as a young AIDS activist who was expelled from his school because of his HIV status. The ensuing legal battle brought to the fore Ryan's prominence, but also prejudice, ignorance and the fact that AIDS does not discriminate. AP

• World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

  Willi Smith 1948-1987 - Considered the most successful black fashion designer ever, this Philly native exploded on to the fashion scene in the late 1970s. Always an innovator, Smith won awards and was a savvy businessman. His company, WilliWear, was a unique industry fixture. Corbis

• World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

  Robert Mapplethorpe 1946-1989 - Robert Mapplethorpe was known for his highly stylized, striking black and white photos. He is probably most famous for his Generation X series of photos of mostly nude men, which sparked a debate over decency andgovernment funding of the arts. AP and The Robert Mapplethorpe Foundation

• World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

  Sylvester 1947-1988 - As one of the first acclaimed and openly gay artists of the '70s, Sylvester James set the stage for future performers like RuPaul, the Pointer Sisters and the Weather Girls. Sylvester bridged the gap between cult followingand mass appeal with disco anthems such as 'You Make Me Feel (Mighty Real)' and 'Do You Wanna Funk.' Jeff Katz

• World AIDS Day: Stars Who Died From AIDS

  Liberace 1919-1987 - Even Bugs Bunny knew of Wladziu Valentino Liberace, better known as Liberace, a classically trained pianist who entertained the masses with his ostentatious costumes and wit. He is known for his omnipresent candalabrum and the phrase, 'I wish my brother George were here.' AP

Michael Jackson Transformation

• Michael Jackson Transformation

  Michael Jackson graces the cover of the December 2007 issue of Ebony magazine, in which he gives his first in-depth interview to a U.S. magazine in ten years. His hair looks remarkably crisp with a layered cut and he wears a regal white suit with surrealmetallic touches. How did Michael come to take on this ethereal and androgynous form? (Ebony Magazine)

• Michael Jackson Transformation

  Michael (bottom left) as a boy fronted his all-brother band The Jackson Five wearing an afro, a new symbol of black empowerment at the time, and the hippie-disco-chic that was popular in the '70s. With his deep brown skin, curly hair and natural nose, could he have known what path his transformation would take? (Retna Ltd.)

• Michael Jackson Transformation

  By 1983, Jackson had left his brothers behind, in addition to his cute boy-band looks. Embracing the pop-punk style of the early '80s, Michael also revealed his major change in facial features and hair texture, with a smaller nose and straighter hair. (Getty Images)

• Michael Jackson Transformation

  In the video for 'Thriller,' Jackson exploded into the homes and hearts of the world displaying his mastery of dance and the music video as an art form. His red leather jacket and his choreography became immediately iconic. (Everett Collection)

• Michael Jackson Transformation

  For his next album 'Bad,' we don't see quite the same Mike. Leaving behind his '80s zippers, he draped his body with what appears to be a highly glamorized military uniform complete with cod piece. At this point in his fashion evolution, Jackson's skinalso became noticeable lighter, and his hair more feminine than ever. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

• Michael Jackson Transformation

  In another iconic and influential Michael Jackson creation, the video for "Smooth Criminal," Jackson switches up aesthetic forms completely, surprising audiences with classic gangster film costumes. Mike's body also begins to look rail-thin, a physical change that will stick with him as time moves on.

• Michael Jackson Transformation

  Almost two decades and four albums later, Michael Jackson appears to face child molestation charges in an outfit that tragically matches his fall from grace. Gone is his unique and glittering sense of dramatic dressing. In addition to looking disheveledin a jacket over pajama pants, Jackson seems mentally unwell and disoriented. (AP Photo)

• Michael Jackson Transformation

  After being found not guilty of all 10 charges in May of 2005, Michael Jackson adopted a change in fashion that could not have been imagined: a Muslim woman's full-body veil. A fan of veils and masks to protect his kids from the media, Jackson adopted the similar Arabic women's garb for himself while on an extend stay in the country of Bahrain. He hid out for much of 2006. (AP Photo/Hasan Jamali)

• Michael Jackson Transformation

  In 2007 Mike made a transition back into the spotlight, ready to greet the fans who still adored him all around the world. In March of this year, Jackson attended a V.I.P. party to meet fans in Japan. (Access E/WireImage)

• Michael Jackson Transformation

  In this photo from the fashion spread in the December 2007 Ebony, Michael Jackson seems to dare the world to appraise his current form. In a complete departure from his earlier style choices, Michael is a modern dandy with top hat and tails, neither military dancer nor smooth criminal. With porcelain skin and bone-straight hair, Jackson embodies a completely reborn being, taking a form impossible to define. With a plan for a Jackson Family reunion tour in the works, perhaps Michael's new style will bea permanent reflection of a new life. (AP Photo/Ebony Magazine)