Throwback Thursday: Michael Jackson – “Billie Jean” (Live at ‘Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever’)
As we continue to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Thriller, it’s only right that we revisit the most iconic live performance of that era of Michael Jackson’s career. The day was March 25, 1983, and some of the greatest artists ever were gathered to celebrate the beginning of Motown Records’ 25th year. The celebration was being filmed for a TV special called Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever that would air on May 16.
All of the legends signed to Motown over the years where there to perform live, including Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, Lionel Richie and Diana Ross. And of course, the man who would become King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
While every other performer was still a Motown artist, MJ no longer was. However, he had the benefit of being the hottest artist in the industry. Thriller had been released just four months prior and “Billie Jean” was in the middle of a seven-week reign atop the Billboard Hot 100.
MJ delivered a performance of “Billie Jean” that basically let people know he’s really not one of them. It was the debut of his signature move, the moonwalk, as well as a lot of what would become his signature look.
The Motown 25 performance of “Billie Jean” is quite possibly the most important performance of Michael Jackson’s career. Check it out below.
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