CLEVELAND - The legendary Michael Jackson began filming scenes for the most influential music video in history a quarter century ago today and even though no other website, television program or print publication will mention it, I feel as though the moment deserves attention.I'm talking about Thriller.
The groundbreaking clip, more of a short film than music video, has had an enormous impact on the music industry as well as American culture at large since its debut twenty-five years ago and earned Jackson, 25 at the time the incredible distinction of "music video pioneer." Indeed, the reclusive entertainer still gets awarded accolades from that transcendent effort all these years later.
Filmmaker John Landis, along with Jackson, co-star Ola Ray and a crew large enough for a feature film took to the streets of Los Angeles late at night, namely on Union Pacific Avenue to film the video's centerpiece dance number. When all was said and done, a seminal masterpiece had been constructed and had its ballyhooed world premiere on December 2, 1983 on the previously segregated MTV network.
The 13-minute film was so incredible, indelible and insanely popular that the album of the same name skyrocketed back up the charts despite being released an entire year earlier!
Unprecedented.
When Vestron Video released "Making Michael Jackson's Thriller" a short time later, it became the biggest selling home videocassette in history. My six year old self was having the time of my life basking in the blinding glow emanating from Jackson's fame.
And it all started 25 years ago today. Wow.
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