Michael Jackson – A Tribute to the King of Pop

Billie Jean

The music video for the song Billie Jean by Michael Jackson from the album Thriller.

“Billie Jean” is a dance-pop R&B song by American recording artist Michael Jackson. It was written by Jackson and produced by Quincy Jones for the singer’s sixth solo album, Thriller (1982). Originally disliked by Jones, the track was almost removed from the album after he and Jackson had numerous disagreements. The song’s lyrics refer to a real-life experience, in which a mentally ill female fan claimed that Jackson fathered one of her twins. The song is well known for its distinctive bass line and Jackson’s vocal hiccups. The song was mixed 91 times by Bruce Swedien before it was finalized.

Following the successful chart performances of Thriller and “The Girl Is Mine”, “Billie Jean” was released on January 2, 1983, as the album’s second single. “Billie Jean” was a worldwide commercial and critical success; it became one of the best-selling singles of 1983, and topped both the US and UK charts simultaneously. Considered one of the most revolutionary songs in history,[1] “Billie Jean” was certified platinum in 1989. [Source : Wikipedia]

The famous lean done by MJ

Michael Jackson’s music video from the movie “Moonwalker”, Smooth Criminal. “Smooth Criminal” is the seventh single from Michael Jackson’s Bad album (1987). The song contains a fast-paced beat intertwined with Jackson’s lyrics about a woman named Annie, who has been attacked in her apartment by Mr. Big/Frankie Lideo. It was released as a single on October 24, 1988 and peaked at 7 on the Billboard Hot 100.[1] It was re-released on April 10, 2006 as a part of the Visionary: The Video Singles box-set. The re-released Visionary single charted at #19 in the UK. In 2003, the song appeared on the Number Ones greatest hits album.

An early version of the song was written by Jackson and John Barnes in 1985 and the original demo was recorded in 1986. The original title was “Al Capone” which is probably about the Italian-American gangster. But this version didn’t make the album and was re-worked and re-written as “Smooth Criminal”. [Source : Wikipedia]

Beat It

Here is one of Michael’s greatest videos of all time from his best selling record, Thriller. This legendary music video will be remembered for all time. Guitar legend, Eddie Van Halen makes his cameo in the song with an amazing guitar solo. MJ has even stated that a few of the “extras” used in the video were actual L.A. street gangs.

Please, share your thoughts about this amazing video!