I don't think you need to learn English to know about Michael Jackson.  Look at Elvis Presley he is very popular figure in Japan, i believe most of the Japanese don't even understand English.  I think Michael Jackson is the most popular person in the world regardless of the era and place.  I don't think music is limited to certain era, if you look at Elvis, he earns more money every year than the current singer.   Since Michael Jackson is dead i won't be surprise if i see him among the   top dead earner. About taking internet with him, this was the second time after Obama inauguration.