Music, Fashion, Culture - Set List

Thursday, September 19, 2024

King of Pop

Michael Jackson


Of Michael Jackson's many songs, one will always stand out  - "Thriller."  Yet, his signatures began with "Billie Jean" in 1983.  So let's explore that hit.

"Billie Jean"

Second single from Jackson's 6th album, Thriller (Released in 1982)
Released in January 1983

Genres considered - Post-Disco, R&B, Funk, Dance-Pop

No. 1 on Billboard Hot 100
No. 1 on Billboard Hot Black Singles
No. 1 in the UK, Australia, Canada, France, Ireland, Switzerland, and Belgium - to name a few

No. 58 on Rolling Stone's 500 Greatest Songs of All Time (2004)
No. 44 on Rolling Stone's list in 2021

Included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll 

"Billie Jean" helped Thriller become the best-selling album of all time 
"Billie Jean" became Jackson's best selling solo single
A best-selling single of all time

2 Grammy Awards
American Music Award

Certified Gold in New Zealand and the UK*
Certified Platinum in France and Germany
Certified 2x Platinum in Canada and Italy
Certified 3x Platinum in Denmark and Spain
Certified 4x Platinum in the UK**
Certified 9x Platinum in Australia
Certified Diamond + 2x Platinum in Mexico
Certified Diamond in the U.S.
*Initial sales - 500,000
**Later sales - 2,400,000

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