| "Billie Jean" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single byMichael Jackson | ||||
| from the albumThriller | ||||
| B-side |
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| Released | January 2, 1983 | |||
| Recorded | 1982 | |||
| Studio | Westlake (Los Angeles, California)[1] | |||
| Genre | ||||
| Length |
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| Label | Epic | |||
| Songwriter(s) | Michael Jackson | |||
| Producer(s) |
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| Michael Jackson singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Billie Jean" onYouTube | ||||
"Billie Jean" is a song by American singerMichael Jackson. It is a song on his 1982album,Thriller. The song was released as asingle on January 2, 1983. "Billie Jean" was one of many hits by the singer. It was number one on theBillboard Hot 100.[2] The song blendspost-disco,R&B,funk, anddance-pop. The lyrics describe a woman, Billie Jean, who claims that the narrator is the father of her newborn son, which he denies. Jackson said the lyrics were based on groupies' claims about his older brothers when he toured with them asthe Jackson 5.
At the 1984Grammy Awards, Jackson was given awards for Best R&B Song and Best R&B Male Vocal Performance for the song.[3] In 2008,Kanye West remixed the song forThriller 25. This was a new version ofThriller made for its 25thanniversary.[4]
It is well-known for it's notable music video, directed bySteve Barron, was the first video by a black artist to be aired in heavy rotation onMTV. Jackson's performance of "Billie Jean" on the TV specialMotown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever was nominated for anEmmy Award. It introduced a number of Jackson's signatures, including themoonwalk, rhinestone glove, black sequined jacket, and high-water pants, and was widely imitated.
The song was performed live in all of Jackson's world concert tours.
