This video examines why Billie Jean became the defining moment of Michael Jackson’s career. It traces how the song’s release and a pivotal televised performance propelled him into global superstardom.

Before it was put to bed there was the little matter of the title. Quincy Jones suggested changing the title to ‘Not My Lover’, thinking that record buyers would be confused that Jackson had written a ...

Michael Jackson‘s “Billie Jean” deeply impressed an important R&B musician. He said that the track could have been transformed into 12 different hit songs if Jackson had divided it up in a certain way ...

Michael Jackson wasn’t just the King of Pop-he was also a gifted songwriter who penned hits for some of the biggest names in ...

When Jones and Jackson listened to Thriller for the first time, they thought it sounded terrible. They realized they had to make changes before they put it out. One of these changes was cutting the ...

Michael Jackson's "Beat It" debuts on both of Billboard's global charts, becoming another hit for the late superstar as "Billie Jean" climbs to never-before-seen peaks. Portrait of American Pop and ...

Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. Hugh McIntyre covers music, with a focus on the global charts. Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” debuts at No. 23 on the R&B/Hip-Hop ...