· pop  · 1 min read

Billie Jean

One of the best-selling singles of all time, "Billie Jean" broke racial barriers on MTV and featured Jackson's iconic moonwalk, defining 1980s pop music.

About This Song

“Billie Jean” is a song by American singer Michael Jackson, released by Epic Records on January 2, 1983, as the second single from his sixth studio album Thriller (1982). It was written and composed by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones and co-produced by Jackson.

Song Information

Album: Thriller (1982)
Genre: Pop, R&B, Dance
Duration: 4:54
Label: Epic Records

The song became one of the best-selling singles of all time and helped establish Jackson as a solo artist beyond his work with the Jackson 5.

Cultural Impact

“Billie Jean” was groundbreaking in multiple ways:

Musical Innovation:

  • Distinctive bassline and drum pattern
  • Perfect fusion of pop and R&B
  • State-of-the-art production techniques

Cultural Significance:

  • First video by a Black artist played in heavy rotation on MTV
  • Iconic moonwalk performance on Motown 25
  • Defined the sound of 1980s pop music

Credits:

  • Artist: Michael Jackson
  • Album: Thriller
  • Songwriter: Michael Jackson
  • Producer: Quincy Jones
  • Release Date: January 2, 1983

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