Michael Jackson became an entertainment legend.
Today marks the 30th anniversary of the NBC broadcast of Jackson's seminal solo performance of his then brand new song, "Billie Jean." The historic moment, filmed seven weeks earlier on March 25th at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium was the crown jewel of the television special, "Motown 25: Yesterday, Today and Forever." This was a musical showcase of numerous big stars and groups that brought the venerable Motown Records to enormous success during the 1960's and '70's. MJ himself became an international star when he and his four brothers signed to the label in 1968 as The Jackson 5.
What the world saw the night of May 16, 1983 on television was a clear cut superstar musician morphing fully and stunningly into an international icon of epic proportions. Jackson, less than three and a half months shy of his 25th birthday unleashed, for the first time ever, his soon-to-be signature dance step "the moonwalk" as well as the full scope of, what would become his indelible and unique style.
Michael Jackson took to the stage that evening clad in a black, glittery jacket with a black, rhinestone encrusted shirt underneath. His cropped, black pants and black loafers showcased rhinestone adorned socks. But the accessory that garnered the most attention was the single, white sparkly glove he wore. This entire ensemble, along with his carefully coiffed Jheri-curled hair, became, not only his trademark look for the next two years, but a cultural phenomenon as well.
After a spirited Jackson 5 medley with his brothers (reunited musically for the first time in eight years), Michael paced the stage alone while speaking to the audience. He remarked that he liked the old J5 songs
"a lot," but he especially likes "the new songs."
This is when he grabbed a black fedora, pulled it down over his head and struck a pose while the opening bassline of "Billie Jean" filled the arena. From there, MJ used the next five minutes to exhibit the unbelievable range of his showmanship and artistry. His dancing was both pristine and gravity-defying. His subtle and rhythmic flourishes accented his carefully polished stage presence which was obviously heavily influenced by some of the great figures in the history of show business.
Jackson had been reluctant to perform on this show for Motown. At the time, his public reputation and success was in a constant state of expansion. With his six month old album Thriller steadily steamrolling the music charts and breaking sales records, he was the toast of the music industry and, thanks to MTV, a super popular video star. The last thing he needed was to perform on a show with a bunch of has-beens and fading stars who were completely beneath him. Alas, Motown founder Berry Gordy persuaded MJ, now an artist for Epic Records to join his brothers and perform on the show.
After all, how could they not have the biggest star in the world (who started with Motown) on their show?
Jackson agreed on the condition that he be allowed to have a solo spot to perform his non-Motown song (and the then #1 single in the U.S.) "Billie Jean." He later earned control over the final edit of his performance so that his amazing dance moves would be seen at every proper angle by television viewers to showcase it in the best light possible.
During Michael's show-stopping solo, he lip synched the "Billie Jean" lyrics so that he could perfectly deliver his dancing and the song in a neat package. When the song ended and he closed his eyes and raised his hand to punctuate the conclusion, the entire industry crowd was on its feet in grand applause. MJ took a bow and left the stage, not realizing that he had just crafted the most important moment of his career. To those watching at home, his blinding qualities as a superstar switched to overdrive and he became a global obsession.
In the aftermath, the Thriller album once again experienced a great spike in sales as did sales of Jackson-themed items. From replica jackets and sparkly gloves, to Jheri-curled hair and cropped pants, imitating Michael Jackson was the new #1 cool thing to do throughout the summer of 1983 and beyond. MJ himself received numerous accolades and effusive praise from some of the greats of the industry, many of whom he grew up studying and idolizing.
I will never forget that spectacular moment in '83 when the man known as Michael Joseph Jackson became a supernova of the highest order.
He is simply the best forever.
