And he was only 25 years old.
That legendary evening took place 30 years ago tonight when MJ, coming off one of the most fairy-tale years in entertainment history, set a record by winning 8 trophies at the 11th annual American Music Awards for his steamrolling album Thriller.
The awards ceremony, broadcast live on ABC played out like one long tribute to Jackson and ended up serving as the very pinnacle of his popularity and success. From the opening minutes, it was clear who the evening belonged to as fans screamed and shouted at the mere sight of Michael as he stepped into the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, CA.
Jackson certainly knew how to set indelible trends with his style and fashion, something that started to become a major element of his visual presentation just the year before. On this night, he showed up dressed in a red drum major-style jacket adorned in sequins, a gold sash and epaulets with black pants cropped at the ankles. He also sported his trademark single glove, but instead of the usual white with rhinestones, it was black with rhinestones. White socks, black loafers and dark Aviator shades completed his unique look. Of course, his much copied Jheri-curled hair was sleek as ever, with "baby hair" and curls hanging down over his forehead.
MJ's companions that night were almost as unusual as the stratospheric success he had been enjoying for past year; Emmanuel Lewis, the diminutive 12-year old star of TV's Webster, and 19-year old Brooke Shields. Even to this day, three decades later, this aspect of that night remains a curious topic of pop culture conversation.
The true specialness of January 16, 1984 was the insane love that Jackson received. Thanks to his larger-than-life 1983, there was heavy anticipation for what type of night he could be in store for. As it turns out, Thriller dominated, and each time MJ was announced the winner in a particular category, his subsequent stroll up to the stage to accept awards were greeted by great applause and chants for the shy megastar.
The Thriller album had been released in November 1982, and after a slow start did not seem likely to eclipse the great success of Michael's 1979 smash hit LP Off The Wall. But once "Billie Jean" was released as the album's second single in February '83, interest in the album began to pick up steam. When the stylistic music video debuted that same month, public fascination flew to another level. Jackson's soaring popularity kept elevating with one brilliant moment after another. The "Beat It" short film premiered in April '83, followed by his iconic solo performance (and unveiling of the moonwalk dance step) on Motown 25 in May.
The summer of '83 was dominated by children and adults all over the world emulating Michael and his signature costumes, dance moves and singing his songs. He kept a low profile as sales of Thriller skyrocketed beyond standard figures. By the final quarter of 1983, the album had become the best-selling in history which shocked many and catapulted him into the realm of the true legends of music history.
When the epic masterpiece short film, "Michael Jackson's Thriller" was released in December '83, all hell broke loose. The album, already on the shelves for more than a year began selling a million copies per week as a result of the groundbreaking nature of the film. Once the year finally ended, Michael Jackson had become, as Liza Minelli stated in a taped statement on the AMAs, "a national treasure."
His historic, record setting 1983 was handsomely rewarded with every platitude imaginable in 1984. He even received the Award of Merit.
I will never forget that awesome night for MJ, who proved as always to be the greatest entertainer in history.
God bless his Highness!
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