On March 25, 1983, "Thriller"s popularity reached a larger audience when Jackson debuted "Billie Jean" before a live audience during taping of the tribute special Motown 25: Yesterday, Today, Forever. Having reunited with the Jackson 5 for a medley of their hits, he remained onstage for a solo performance and as he addressed the crowd they began chanting for "Billie Jean". Dressed in a glittery black jacket, sparkling silver shirt, tight black pants cuffed high to showcase white spangled socks and black penny loafers, and a single sequined glove, Jackson signalled the start of his routine by snapping a black fedora to his head. After doing some kicks with thigh slaps, Jackson signalled the midpoint of the routine by throwing his fedora towards the side of the stage, causing audience members to scream and shout. Finally, when the song was completed, he signalled the end of the routine by pointing at the ceiling before bowing to the audience.
It was during this performance that Jackson also debuted a set of physically complicated dance techniques which included the "Moonwalk" (a name which was dubbed by the media not by Jackson himself). The "moonwalk" followed by a tornado spin and an en pointe stance has since gone on to become Jackson's trademark dance piece, and is virtually synonymous with the song. Ironically, the "moonwalk" is not featured at any point during the music video.
Despite Jackson lip-syncing his song (which he usually does when performing "Billie Jean" due to its exhausting dance moves), the audience rose to their feet giving an ovation, and it is often cited as one of the greatest live performances of all time. This sealed his position as a dance legend up against the likes of Fred Astaire, who called Jackson the next day to congratulate him, and it's also said by many to match the effect on popular culture that Elvis Presley and The Beatles had when they appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show.
Upon its broadcast on May 16, over forty-seven million viewers witnessed Jackson's performance.[8] The immediate result was unprecedented sales of his Thriller album, which as of November 2006 has sold over 104 million copies[9]. The "Billie Jean" single has since sold over 5 million copies worldwide and became Jackson's top-selling single.
1 comment:
thank you for this.
michael is indeed a great talent.
his performance here is still quite moving.
original and derivative, both.
he stands out among the throngs--
a performer who will live forever.
g.
Post a Comment