Billie Jean - History #michaeljackson #michaeljacksonlive #billiejean

Enjoy full stories and songs at https://storiesbehindsongs.com/ Billie Jean It is the sixth song from the sixth studio album, Thriller, released in 1982. The song was written by Michael Jackson in just 5 minutes, and he stated that while writing it, he could feel it would become a hit. Producer Quincy Jones disagreed with the 29-second intro duration, but when he wanted to remove it, Jackson asked him to leave it as it made him want to dance. The lyrics describe a woman who claims to have a child by the narrator, who denies it all the time and only remembers the warnings from people and his own mother about being careful and not playing with young girls' hearts. Jackson has stated that the lyrics are inspired by fans known at the time as "groupies," who followed his brothers while they were in the Jackson 5 band. Michael was still a child and did not understand why these fans claimed to have children related to one of his brothers. Session keyboardist Greg Phillinganes assured that after recording the song, he discovered it was great on every level: rhythm, sound, melody, lyrics, and that it could affect physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. Currently, several critics consider it one of the best songs ever made. Quincy Jones recalls working with Donna Summer on the song "State of Independence," originally composed by Jon and Vangelis. On that occasion, Michael participated in the chorus, and it is believed that he took the bass and keyboard notes from there to later adapt them to a funkier version. On May 15, 1983, Motown Records broadcast a television special for its 25th anniversary, inviting the main artists who were part of its label. After the Jackson 5 finished their performance, it was agreed that Michael would have a space to promote his latest album called Thriller. Jackson wore black pants, leather moccasin-type shoes, a black sequined jacket, and a white glove with rhinestones. "Billie Jean" starts playing, and Jackson puts on his fedora hat, surprising the audience with his distinctive dance steps and poses full of strength and style. Finally, during the instrumental interlude of the song, he performs a move that creates a visual effect where he appears to walk forward, but his body goes backward, ending with a spin and finally lifting his weight onto the tips of his shoes. The live performance of this song revealed Michael Jackson's talent as a pop icon along with his historic backward slide. The move was already used by young people in the black community under the name "Backslide," but after Michael's performance, it was dubbed by the media as the "moonwalk," marking it as a moment that transcended in a way no live musical performance had ever achieved.