35 Years Later – The Importance Of “Billie Jean” Cannot Be Overstated
Thirty-five years ago this week, the second single from Michael Jackson’s astronomically successful album Thriller rose to No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100. And 35 years later, for many reasons, “Billie Jean” is still regarded by many as one of the most important recordings in pop music history…both the song and its music video. “Billie Jean” was the second single released from the landmark album Thriller by Michael Jackson It’s still the first song that comes to the minds of many when Jackson’s name is mentioned. It is arguably his signature song. But it is also much more than that. It’s the song that set a course for black dance music (and funkier leaning dance music in general) to make an eventual return to pop chart prominence after three years of dormancy in the post-disco era. “Billie Jean” was released on the heels of Thriller’s first single,...