Est. 1998
‘Billie Jean’ Turns 30!
‘Billie Jean’ from the ‘Thriller’ album, is thought to be Michael’s most famous song, and was released thirty years ago today. Supposedly based on a real life girl who had accused Michael of being the father of one of her twins (!), Michael himself said, “I think I wrote this out of experience with my brothers when I was little. There were a lot of Billie Jeans out there. Every girl claimed that their son was related to one of my brothers.”
The single hit Number One on the Billboard charts and stayed there for 7 weeks. The classic music short film which accompanied the song was largely credited for breaking an unofficial color barrier on MTV. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the song led to Michael’s most famous performance of “the moonwalk,” on a Motown 25th anniversary special.
‘Billie Jean’ still fills dance floors around the world; its pure pop perfection has not been diluted at all in 30 years.
Musician Pharrell Williams is quoted as saying: “It is hard to say if there is a greater song than ‘Billie Jean.’ I think there will never be a song like this one again, with this bass-line, with this kind of effect, this eternalness, this perfection!”
Quincy Jones tried to veto the song from the ‘Thriller’ album, as he did not like the bass line, the intro or the title. Thankfully, Michael insisted however, and over-ruled him!
We are sure Michael’s fans are very grateful that he did, as some of Michael’s most engaging stage performances, and iconic dance moves are to this song!
Source: thegrio.com & MJWN
Song of the week
